The Panel of Administrators approved amendments to the Rehabilitation Services and Claims Manual authorizing External Service Providers to conduct permanent functional impairment evaluations. Thus, permanent functional impairment evaluations may be conducted by either a Disability Awards Medical Advisor or a Board authorized External Service Provider. The Rehabilitation and Compensation Services Division has set protocols and procedures for these evaluations. A Board officer determines whether the evaluation is referred to a Disability Awards Medical Advisor or an External Service Provider based on the nature of the injury and other relevant criteria as set out in the protocols. These amendments took effect April 28, 1999.