Syllabus
-
Course #7
(6 hours)
Almaraz-Guzman II, Alternate Ratings and Apportionment
Courses are approved by
the California DWC Medical Unit.
Provider #1240
Read DWC QME CE Requirements Here
Presented by:
Daniel Buch, BS, DC, QME
Guest:
WCAB Administrative Law Judge, Christopher Miller
Required Text:
Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment, 5th Ed,
1) Course
Description:
Narrated online video presentation discussing
the Almaraz-Guzman Decisions.
The use of alternate impairment ratings within the "four corners" of the AMA
Guides 5th Edition and apportionment considerations under the current California
Labor Code.
6 hour module consisting of three (3) Sections.
This module consists of three (3) 50 minute video Sections. A 50 question
online quiz is taken at the end of the 3rd Section.
2)
Course Schedule/Outline:
Section 1:
Almaraz-Guzman Decisions
-
Introduction
- California W/C history, the Triangle Fire and the Boynton Act
- Definitions
- Almaraz-Guzman Overview
- Q/A with WCAB Judge Christopher Miller
- Almaraz-Guzman II and alternate ratings
- Defending an alternate rating
- When is an alternate rating inappropriate
Section 2: Alternate Ratings
-
Alternate Rating Methods – Overview
- Alternate Impairment Rating – Examples
- Kite and 2024 Vigil Cases - Disability/Impairment
- Q/A with WCAB
Judge Christopher Miller
Section 3:
Apportionment
- Apportionment– Overview
- Review of LC4663
- Review of Escobedo, Yeager and recent apportionment cases.
- Current Standards for Apportionment Determination
- City of Jackson (Rice) Genetic Apportionment
- Post Jackson (Rice) cases
- Apportionment Examples
-
Q/A with WCAB
Judge Christopher Miller
3) Suggested
Reading
Selected sections of the AMA Guides for the Evaluation of Physical Impairment (5th
Ed), 2016 DWC Physicians Guide and selected WCAB court cases.
4)
Interactivity:
Online quiz is interactive, giving feedback on incorrect
answers.
5) No expenses of this course are underwritten or subsidized by vendors
of any goods, supplies or services. No products or services are discussed or
endorsed.
Copyright ©2009-2026
Course 7 - Almaraz Guzman, Alternate Ratings and
Apportionment (6 total hours)- $180.00
Satisfies DWC Requirements for:
- 2 hours of review of workers compensation case law
- 4 hours of instruction in disability impairment rating
