CA AB584

Requires psychologists and physicians involved in workers' compensation to be licensed by California state law, adding specificity to existing definitions.

Mandates that only physicians licensed by California state law who are competent to evaluate specific clinical issues may modify, delay, or deny medical treatment authorization requests based on medical necessity.

Establishes timeframes for utilization review decisions: five working days maximum for standard cases (not to exceed 14 days from physician recommendation) and 72 hours for urgent cases where employee health is threatened.

Requires written communication of approval or denial decisions to physicians within 24 hours for concurrent review or two business days for prospective review, with clear explanations of reasons and criteria used.

Expands disability benefits claims to be supported by health professionals (psychologists, optometrists, dentists, podiatrists, chiropractors) in addition to physicians and practitioners, provided they are duly licensed.