Maria Gonzalez — ADJ11069868

Maria Gonzalez, a janitor for Central California Child Development, sustained an industrial injury to her right ankle on July 24, 2017, and also claimed complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). The originally selected orthopedic PQME, Dr. Nijjar, died after an incomplete deposition, prompting the WCJ to order a replacement orthopedic panel but to deny applicant's request for an additional rheumatology panel. Applicant sought reconsideration of the July 12, 2021 Findings and Order. The Appeals Board treated the petition under the removal standard because it challenged only an interlocutory issue (the QME panel specialty), while noting the AOE/COE finding was a final threshold issue. The Board concluded that a rheumatology panel was warranted to develop evidence on the causation of CRPS, based on Dr. Nijjar's deposition and attached exhibits. It rescinded the prior order and substituted a new order directing the parties to request both a replacement orthopedic panel and a second rheumatology panel.