New York Codes, Rules and Regulations
Title 11 - INSURANCE
Chapter III - Policy and Certificate Provisions
Subchapter B - Property and Casualty Insurance
Part 65 - Regulations Implementing The Comprehensive Motor Vehicle Insurance Reparations Act
Subpart 65-4 - Arbitration
Section 65-4.7 - Independent health consultant

(a) The designated organization shall maintain a list of independent health consultants, who will review medical evidence or examine the eligible injured person upon the request of any arbitrator designated pursuant to this Subpart.

(b) The independent health consultant shall be selected by the designated organization from its list and, to the extent practicable, shall be a specialist in the field requested by the arbitrator. If a medical examination is requested by the arbitrator, such examination shall be conducted at the health consultant's office, which shall be located in the general locale of the applicant's residence, or at a place agreed upon by the parties and the consultant.

(c) Within 15 calendar days after the review of medical evidence or examination of the eligible injured person, the health consultant shall submit to the designated organization a written report which shall contain the consultant's advisory opinion for consideration by the arbitrator. The designated organization shall submit such report to the arbitrator and the parties.

(d) The independent health consultant's fee shall include the written report and be paid by the designated organization, with the cost of such fee charged as an administrative expense of the no- fault arbitration forum.

(e) No person shall serve as an independent health consultant in any arbitration in which such person has any financial or personal interest or bias. An independent health consultant shall disclose to the designated organization any circumstance which is likely to create an appearance of bias or which might serve to disqualify such expert. Upon receipt of such information, the designated organization shall immediately disclose it to the parties. If a party challenges a health consultant, the specific grounds for the challenge shall be submitted in writing. The designated organization shall determine whether the health consultant should be disqualified and shall inform the parties of its decision, which shall be final and binding. If a health consultant should resign, be disqualified or be otherwise unable to perform necessary duties, the designated organization shall appoint another health consultant to the case.