Hillsborough County School Board v. Suarez

Hillsborough County School Board, the employer/carrier (E/C), appeals a final workers’ compensation order in which the judge of compensation claims (JCC) awarded certain indemnity and medical benefits to appellee, Francisca Suarez (claimant). We affirm all the awards as supported by competent, substantial evidence (CSE), except that authorizing claimant to substitute orthopedist Dr. Dale Bramlet as her one-time change of orthopedic surgeon, because the award fails to follow the procedure prescribed by section 440.13(2)(f), Florida Statutes (2002).

In authorizing the change in orthopedic care…