2582.4     ALTERNATIVE METHODS OF TREATMENT
(RENUMBERED FROM 0482.4  2/83) 

Section 3209.7 of the California Labor Code permits treatment of injuries under the Workers' Compensation law by forms of therapy, treatment or healing practice other than medical methods when agreed upon voluntarily in writing by the employee and employer.

When an employee indicates he/she wishes to enter into such an agreement, he/she must complete Agreement Concerning Treatment for Industrial Injuries, DWC Form 710, since this is the only form of agreement approved by the Division of Workers' Compensation, Department of Industrial Relations.  The form must be completed and signed in triplicate.  One copy will be retained by the employee and one copy will be retained by the employing agency.  The last copy should be sent to the State Compensation Insurance Fund and the SCIF office should be informed when such agreements are terminated.

The State Compensation Insurance Fund recognizes these agreements but reserves the right to request the evaluation and/or treatment by a medical doctor or hospital if warranted.  Each case will be evaluated individually by SCIF.  Refusal by the employee to comply with the requested evaluation and/or treatment may jeopardize his/her benefits.