Pennsylvania Impairment Rating Guide
Pennsylvania workers' compensation uses the 6th Edition of the AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment under 77 P.S. § 511.3 (Act 111 of 2018).
Which Edition?
AMA Guides Edition 6th Edition
Statutory Authority
77 P.S. § 511.3 (Act 111 of 2018)(opens in a new tab)
PPD Calculation
Statutory Maximum Weeks 500 weeks
Pennsylvania does not convert impairment into weeks. After 104 weeks of total disability, an Impairment Rating Evaluation (IRE) is performed using the AMA Guides Sixth Edition, Second Printing (April 2009). An impairment rating below 50% changes the worker to partial disability status, which is limited to 500 weeks; a rating of 50% or greater preserves total disability status.
Notes
Following the Protz decision invalidating the prior statute, Act 111 of 2018 restored using AMA Guides 6th Edition, Second Printing (April 2009) for Impairment Rating Evaluations (IREs)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which edition of the AMA Guides does Pennsylvania use?
Pennsylvania uses the 6th Edition of the AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment under 77 P.S. § 511.3 (Act 111 of 2018). The applicable edition is generally determined by the worker's date of injury; consult counsel for cases that straddle effective-date transitions.
How is permanent partial disability calculated in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania does not convert impairment into weeks. After 104 weeks of total disability, an Impairment Rating Evaluation (IRE) is performed using the AMA Guides Sixth Edition, Second Printing (April 2009). An impairment rating below 50% changes the worker to partial disability status, which is limited to 500 weeks; a rating of 50% or greater preserves total disability status.
Where can I find a certified impairment rater in Pennsylvania?
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Does this information constitute legal or medical advice?
No. This page provides general statutory and methodological information for educational purposes only. Statutes change, case law shifts controlling interpretation, and individual cases turn on facts beyond what reference material can capture. Consult qualified legal counsel and a credentialed rating physician for any specific matter.
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