CA AB1564

Eliminates provisions allowing vocational rehabilitation or retraining programs to be established through collective bargaining agreements and labor-management agreements under Sections 3201.5 and 3201.7.

Removes restrictions on inmate workers' compensation eligibility for vocational rehabilitation services, allowing access to full services rather than direct placement only.

Requires medical evaluation by treating physician or qualified medical evaluator before disputed medical issues can proceed to hearing, with exceptions for employer-requested second opinions on spinal surgery.

Repeals Chapter 11 (Asbestos Workers' Account provisions) and eliminates related reporting requirements regarding vocational rehabilitation participation.

Changes recording requirements for workers' compensation proceedings from shorthand by phonographic reporters to permanent accessible records by hearing reporters, and updates terminology replacing "referee" with "workers' compensation judge" throughout Labor Code sections.