ND SB2050

Amends subsection 12 of section 65-05-12.2 of the North Dakota Century Code regarding workers' compensation permanent partial impairment disputes.

Requires the organization to establish a list of qualified doctors and define by rule the process for selecting an independent doctor to review disputed permanent impairment evaluations.

Independent doctor's decision that falls between the lowest and highest disputed ratings becomes presumptive evidence that can only be rebutted by clear and convincing evidence; if the decision falls outside this range, the closest rating in dispute becomes presumptive evidence.

Excludes organization liability for impairment awards on body parts or conditions not determined to be compensable as a result of the injury.

Employees who dispute the independent doctor's findings must bear the witness fees for the independent doctor evaluation.