Observers and Recording Devices Policy

Last revised:

January 5, 2015

Introduction:

Benchmark Independent Medical Examinations Inc. (“Benchmark”, “we” and “our”) does not permit observers to be in attendance during examinations unless authorized by both the examiner and the Person Served, or if the Person Served is under 16 years of age or the attendance of another party is reasonably required in order to accommodate a disability. We also do not permit recording devices (audio, video, photographic, etc…) to be used during examinations, unless authorized by both the examiner and the Person Served. If you have any questions regarding our Observers and Recording Devices Policy, please contact Benchmark at 905.827.4248.

Procedure:

Request made by the Person Served for the attendance of an observer:

• A request is made by the Person Served being examined for an observer to be present during the examination
• The examiner is contacted by Benchmark
• The examiner approves or disapproves
• If the examiner approves, the observer is permitted to attend
• If the examiner declines, the observer is not permitted to attend
• Arrangements may be made for the individual to see an alternative examiner

Request made by the examiner for the attendance of an observer:

• A request is made by the examiner for an observer to be present during the examination
• The Person Served is contacted by Benchmark or is asked by the examiner
• The Person Served approves or disapproves
• If the Person Served approves, the observer is permitted to attend
• If the Person Served declines, the observer is not permitted to attend

A child/adolescent is to be examined:

• An observer is required to be present for children/adolescents under 16 years of age
• Adolescents age 16 and older are permitted to decide whether he/she wishes to have an observer present
• Observers must be a legal parent or guardian of the child/adolescent or assigned by legal authorities

Request made by the Person Served for use of a recording device:

• A request is made by the Person Served for a recording device to be used during the examination
• The examiner is contacted by Benchmark
• The examiner approves or disapproves
• If the examiner approves, the recording device is permitted during the examination
• If the examiner declines, the recording device is not permitted during the examination

Request made by the examiner for use of a recording device:

• A request is made by the examiner for a recording device to be used during the examination
• The Person Served is contacted by Benchmark or the examiner
• The Person Served approves or disapproves
• If the Person Served approves, the recording device is permitted during the examination
• If the Person Served declines, the recording device is not permitted during the examination

*All information available in accessible formats upon request.