Who is responsible for arranging and paying for an interpreter during a QME exam?

The responsibility for arranging and paying for an interpreter during a Qualified Medical Evaluator (QME) exam lies with the employer. This obligation is established to ensure that injured workers can fully participate in the medical evaluation process, particularly when language barriers exist. It is crucial for the injured worker to understand the proceedings, as this affects their ability to communicate their medical history and concerns to the evaluator.

Employers have legal and ethical responsibilities to facilitate effective communication and to ensure that the evaluation takes place in a fair and equitable manner. By providing an interpreter, employers help guarantee that the injured worker is adequately represented and informed throughout the process.

In contrast, the other parties listed, such as the injured worker, the healthcare provider, and the claims administrator, do not hold this specific responsibility. The injured worker may not have the financial means to cover interpreter costs, the healthcare provider's role typically involves conducting the evaluation rather than facilitating communication services, and the claims administrator primarily manages claims rather than providing direct service supports like interpretation. Thus, the employer is clearly defined as the party responsible in this scenario.