840 Mass. Reg. 10.11

Current through Register 1523, June 7, 2024
Section 10.11 - Notice of Medical Panel Findings; Further Examination by Medical Panel; Denial of Application; When Hearing Shall Be held by the Retirement Board
(1) Within 30 days of receipt of a medical panel report by the retirement board or, in the case of separate examinations, 30 days of receipt of the last of the three separate reports, the retirement board shall notify the parties of the panel's findings, and provide the member with a copy of all certificates and documents completed by the medical panel physicians.
(2) If upon review of a medical panel report by the retirement board, or in the case of separate examinations, any individual report, the retirement board determines that additional information or further clarification is needed from the medical panel, the board shall request such information from PERAC, who shall forward such request to the medical panel. The medical panel shall provide the clarification within 60 days of receipt of the request. At the request of the retirement board, PERAC shall assist the retirement board in obtaining whatever information is deemed necessary. Following this initial request for clarification, PERAC shall decide whether any further board requests for clarification are warranted and, if further clarification is denied, PERAC shall notify the board in writing of the reasons therefore.
(3) If the medical panel findings preclude retirement for the disability claimed, the retirement board shall either deny the application or, if it determines that further examination by a medical panel may be warranted, the retirement board shall petition PERAC to schedule a new examination by a medical panel, stating the circumstances warranting a new examination. If PERAC grants a request for a new medical panel, the retirement board shall proceed as provided in 840 CMR 10.08(6). If PERAC declines to schedule a new examination, it shall so notify the retirement board and the retirement board shall deny the application. Notice of the decision and right to appeal shall be sent to all parties as provided by 840 CMR 10.13(1)(c).
(4) If the medical panel findings permit retirement for the disability claimed, the retirement board shall determine whether or not to approve the application. A hearing may be held on any disability retirement application and shall be held upon request of the member. The retirement board shall hold a hearing on any involuntary disability retirement application where a hearing is timely requested by the member. If a hearing is held notice shall be given and the hearing shall be held as provided in 840 CMR 10.12.

840 CMR 10.11

Amended by Mass Register Issue 1308, eff. 3/11/2016.