New DWC Form 32 – Request for Designated Doctor – Practice Pointers
DWC implemented the new Form 32 for requesting designated doctors in late 2024, and it should be used for all requests going forward.
There are two (2) material changes to the form:
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- In Box 30, which requires the requestor to list “all body areas and diagnoses that apply”, DWC has carved out a new and separate section for upper or lower extremity fractures with vascular injuries, and for rib and pelvis fractures. These should be separately marked from the standard “upper extremity” or “lower extremity” boxes as applicable.
- In Box 31, in which the requestor lists the issues to be addressed by the DD, the “other similar issues” option (Box G) now specifically includes “whether a first responder is still eligible to receive lifetime income benefits under Labor Code 408.1615.” This incorporates the recent statutory changes to the LIBs provisions of the Act pertinent to first responders.
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The attorneys and DDR department at FOL are always happy to assist with completion of the DWC Form 32, and with all aspects of the designated doctor process. Please feel free to reach out to ddr@fol.com with any questions or requests for assistance.
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