(1) For claims arising on or after July 1, 1993, "treating physician" has the meaning provided by 39-71-116, MCA.

(2) The worker has a duty to select a treating physician. Initial treatment in an emergency room or urgent care facility is not selection of a treating physician. The selection of a treating physician must be made as soon as practicable. A worker may not avoid selection of a treating physician by repeatedly seeking care in an emergency room or urgent care facility. The worker should select a treating physician with due consideration for the type of injury or occupational disease suffered, as well as practical considerations such as the proximity and the availability of the physician to the worker.

(3) Selection of the treating physician, referrals made by the treating physician, and changes of treating physician must all be made in accordance with the provisions of 39-71-1101, MCA. Treatment from a physician's assistant or an advanced practice nurse, when the treatment is under the direction of the treating physician, does not constitute a change of physician and does not require prior authorization pursuant to ARM 24.29.1517.

(4) Subject to 39-71-1101, MCA, ARM 24.29.1517, and any other applicable rule or statute, nothing in this rule prohibits the claimant from receiving treatment from more than one physician if required by the claimant's injury or occupational disease.