ND SB2298

Eliminates the presumption of controlling weight in favor of a treating doctor's medical opinion in workers' compensation cases.

Requires the organization to resolve conflicting medical opinions by considering seven specific factors: length and frequency of treatment relationship, nature and extent of treatment, relevant evidence supporting the opinion, consistency with the overall medical record, appearance of bias, medical specialization, and other relevant factors.

Establishes that a treating doctor's opinion can be rejected if not well-supported by medically acceptable clinical and laboratory diagnostic techniques or inconsistent with substantial evidence in the injured employee's record.

Excludes managed care programs operating under section 65-02-20 from these requirements.

Grants the organization authority to determine whether a doctor qualifies as an injured employee's treating doctor.