New QME Template Law Faces Skepticism from Stakeholders

AB 1293 aims to standardize QME reports, but critics worry it could lead to more issues

Mar. 16, 2026 at 7:04am

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The infamous QME template legislation, Assembly Bill 1293, has been signed into law but will not take effect immediately. The law gives the Division of Workers' Compensation until January 1, 2027 to design the proposed QME template forms and request public comments. The stated goal is to reduce litigation by standardizing how QME reports are requested and written, but the bill has faced skepticism from both the medical community and attorneys.

Why it matters

The new law is an attempt to address ongoing issues with QME reports, such as technical formatting errors leading to reports being thrown out and disputes over what information is sent to doctors. However, critics argue the mandatory templates could oversimplify complex medical analysis and allow poorly trained doctors to produce 'bulletproof' but flawed reports.

The details

AB 1293 mandates the creation of a standardized request form for QME evaluations and a template for QME reports that includes all statutory requirements for 'substantial evidence.' However, the law also includes a 'safe harbor' provision stating that using the template does not constitute prima facie evidence that the report is compliant. Attorneys on both sides have expressed concern that the template could allow inattentive or poorly trained doctors to produce inadequate reports that are still accepted by workers' compensation judges.

  • AB 1293 was signed into law in 2026.
  • The DWC has until January 1, 2027 to design the QME template forms and regulations.

The players

Donald R. Barthel

A founding partner of Bradford and Barthel law firm based in Sacramento, California.

Division of Workers' Compensation (DWC)

The state agency tasked with designing the proposed QME template forms and regulations by January 1, 2027.

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What they’re saying

“The primary criticism from the medical community is that mandatory templates force complex medical analysis into rigid checkboxes.”

— Donald R. Barthel, Attorney (workcompcentral.com)

“If a doctor succinctly fills out the government-approved form (coloring well within the lines) but fails to put any substantial analysis into the report, a WCJ might feel pressured to accept it, even if the medical logic is flawed.”

— Donald R. Barthel, Attorney (workcompcentral.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.