AZ SB1498

Amends Arizona workers' compensation law to require physicians performing examinations or testifying at employee hearings to have expertise in diagnosing and treating the employee's specific injury.

Allows employees to bring any person of their choosing to hearings without prior approval from the administrative law judge, with the commission prohibited from adopting rules that restrict this right.

Updates gender-specific language throughout the statute to use neutral terms ("the employee" instead of "him/his").

Makes technical clarifications regarding exhibits disposal and the definition of parties in change of administrative law judge proceedings.