How many working days does an employer or insurance carrier have to provide an employee with a change of physician upon request?

In California workers' compensation, when an employee requests a change of physician, the employer or insurance carrier is required to provide that change within a specified time frame to ensure that the employee receives appropriate medical care without unnecessary delays. The correct answer indicates that they must fulfill this request within 5 working days. This requirement helps to facilitate timely medical treatment and aligns with the goal of maintaining the employee's health and ability to return to work.

Options that suggest fewer or more days, such as 3, 7, or 10 working days, do not align with California's regulatory framework, which is specifically designed to protect the rights of injured workers while ensuring that employers and insurers comply with procedural standards. Providing a change of physician within 5 working days strikes a balance between operational efficiency and the need for prompt medical attention, which is crucial in managing workers' compensation cases effectively.