Qualifications and Paradigms for the Independent Examiner‪.‬

Abstract In a prior article (Haberstroh & Mulhern, 2005), we explained how field practitioners can better document case files to withstand challenges, including those made by independent examiners (IEs). The article also addressed the forensic examination of IEs. In this article, we seek to establish reasonable standards to which IEs should be held. In this way, examiners' credibility can be established. Currently, the unfortunate reality is that in the vast majority of jurisdictions in the United States any doctor can become an IE simply by requesting a job from an IE company or intermediary; for most states, there are simply no standards, no good guidelines, and no certification processes. We find this unacceptable. It has become the norm, not the exception, that IEs hold field practitioners tip to lofty standards that few, including the IEs themselves, can reach. Thus, bills are cut, complaints are sometimes filed with boards, and other professionally aggravating and costly situations arise from untrained supplicants who exceed their mandates of case review.