CA AB1454

Adds doctors of audiology to the definition of "physician" under workers' compensation law, allowing them to be appointed as qualified medical evaluators if they meet specified requirements including holding an Au.D. or Ph.D. in audiology, maintaining five years of postdoctoral audiology experience, and passing the workers' compensation medical-legal evaluation examination.

Requires appropriate medical collaboration be provided when treatment or evaluation is given by a psychologist or audiologist upon request by the employer, insurer, injured worker, or injured worker's representative.

Establishes that audiologists licensed by California holding an Au.D. or Ph.D. in an audiology-related profession are included in the definition of "physician" for workers' compensation purposes, but clarifies this does not authorize them to represent themselves as physicians.

Modifies Labor Code Section 139.2 to include clinical audiologists among professionals eligible for appointment as qualified medical evaluators with specific qualification requirements comparable to those for psychologists and doctors of chiropractic.