Future Earning Capacity (FEC)
Legal basis: LC §4660.1(c)
Definition
An adjustment factor in the 2005 PDRS that modifies the permanent disability rating to account for the impairment's impact on the worker's ability to compete in the open labor market. The FEC adjustment replaced the older subjective vocational evidence approach with standardized multipliers based on occupation and impairment type.
Key Facts About FEC in 2026
QME Physicians in CA
~2,500
Evaluation Fee Range
$2,500-$4,000
Report Deadline
30 days
Avg AI-Assisted Turnaround
14 days
Related Terms
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Future Earning Capacity (FEC)?
An adjustment factor in the 2005 PDRS that modifies the permanent disability rating to account for the impairment's impact on the worker's ability to compete in the open labor market. The FEC adjustment replaced the older subjective vocational evidence approach with standardized multipliers based on occupation and impairment type.
What is the legal basis for FEC in California workers' compensation?
Future Earning Capacity is governed by LC §4660.1(c) under California workers' compensation law. This statute defines the requirements, procedures, and standards for future earning capacity in the workers' compensation system as of 2026.
How is future earning capacity calculated in California?
Future Earning Capacity in California workers' compensation is typically determined using the AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment, 5th Edition (2001). QME and AME physicians use standardized rating methods to ensure consistency across evaluations.