Opinion
No. 1D99-2546.
Opinion filed March 13, 2000.
Petition for Writ of Certiorari to review an order of Judge of Compensation Claims Michael J. DeMarko.
Kimberly A. Wilson of Sharp Gay, P.A., Jacksonville, for Petitioners.
T. Rhett Smith of T. Rhett Smith, P.A., Pensacola, for Respondent.
In this workers' compensation case, the employer/carrier (E/C) petition this court for a writ of certiorari to review an order entered by the judge of compensation claims (JCC). The order at issue granted the claimant's motion for a protective order and provided that a rehabilitation nurse hired by the E/C could not communicate ex parte with any health care provider involved in this case because the nurse was an independent contractor, not a "direct `in-house' employee" of the E/C. In support of their petition, the E/C argue only that rehabilitation providers are included in section 440.13(4)(c), Florida Statutes, as among those authorized to conduct ex parte communications with a claimant's health care providers. We deny the petition.
KAHN, WEBSTER, and PADOVANO, CONCUR.