November 19, 2025 | Sacramento, CA – MedLegalNews.com — The California Medical Association (CMA) has announced its support for a new legislative proposal designed to address the growing shortage of Independent Medical Evaluators (IMEs) and Qualified Medical Evaluators (QMEs) across the state. The measure seeks to streamline certification pathways, modernize training requirements, and attract more physicians into California’s med-legal system.
The bill, sponsored by a bipartisan group of lawmakers, comes amid mounting concerns about delayed evaluations and rising costs in the workers’ compensation process. CMA leaders emphasized that increasing evaluator availability is critical to maintaining timely and impartial medical assessments for injured workers.
“The shortage of IMEs and QMEs has reached a crisis point,” said Dr. Tanya Blake, a CMA policy advisor. “This legislation will create new opportunities for qualified physicians to enter the med-legal field while upholding professional standards and transparency.”
Legislation Targets Workforce Gaps in the Med-Legal System
The proposed CMA-backed reform bill introduces provisions that would simplify the QME application process, expand continuing education options, and allow qualified IMEs from other states to apply through reciprocity. These reforms are aimed at addressing the steep decline in certified evaluators, which the Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) reports has dropped by nearly 25% since 2019.
The bill would also direct the DWC to review compensation structures for evaluators and consider adjustments that reflect inflation and the increasing complexity of modern cases—especially those involving mental health or post-COVID conditions.
Support from Physicians and Stakeholders
Physician advocacy groups, labor representatives, and defense attorneys have expressed cautious optimism about the CMA’s efforts. Many agree that a stronger evaluator network will improve case turnaround times and reduce backlogs that burden both workers and employers.
“California can’t maintain a fair system without enough evaluators,” said Dr. Michael Xu, an orthopedic QME based in San Diego. “Expanding access to qualified physicians is essential for timely, evidence-based decisions.”
The California Society of Industrial Medicine and Surgery (CSIMS) has also endorsed the initiative, calling it a “practical step forward” in ensuring equitable access to med-legal evaluations statewide.
The legislation is expected to be introduced during the 2026 legislative session, where it will undergo committee review and stakeholder hearings. The CMA plans to work closely with the Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) and Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) to develop implementation guidelines that balance workforce growth with quality assurance.
For detailed bill information and CMA advocacy updates, visit the California Medical Association’s official site.
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FAQs: About the CMA IME QME Reform Bill 2025
What is the goal of the CMA IME QME Reform Bill?
The bill seeks to expand California’s network of certified medical evaluators by simplifying certification, supporting reciprocity for qualified out-of-state physicians, and modernizing continuing education.
Why is there a shortage of QMEs and IMEs?
High administrative burdens, stagnant reimbursement rates, and retirements have led to a steep decline in available evaluators across California.
How will this bill help injured workers?
By increasing the number of available evaluators, the reform aims to shorten case delays, improve access to qualified medical opinions, and strengthen the fairness of workers’ compensation decisions.
Where can stakeholders learn more?
Full details and advocacy resources are available through the CMA.