§ 62-4-43 — Selection of medical practitioner or surgeon by employee.

The employee may make the initial selection of the employee's medical practitioner or surgeon from among all licensed medical practitioners or surgeons in the state. The employee shall, prior to treatment, notify the employer of the choice of medical practitioner or surgeon or as soon as reasonably possible after treatment has been provided. The medical practitioner or surgeon selected may arrange for any consultation, referral, or extraordinary or other specialized medical services as the nature of the injury shall require. The employer is not responsible for medical services furnished or ordered by any medical practitioner or surgeon or other person selected by the employee in disregard of this section. If the employee is unable to make the selection, the selection requirements of this section do not apply as long as the inability to make a selection persists. If the injured employee unreasonably refuses or neglects to avail himself or herself of medical or surgical treatment, the employer is not liable for an aggravation of the injury due to the refusal and neglect and the Department of Labor and Regulation may suspend, reduce, or limit the compensation otherwise payable. If the employee desires to change the employee's choice of medical practitioner or surgeon, the employee shall obtain approval in writing from the employer. An employee may seek a second opinion without the employer's approval at the employee's expense.

Legislative History

SL 1990, ch 416, § 3; SL 2008, ch 278, § 32; SL 2011, ch 1 (Ex. Ord.