§ 19-a. Physicians not to accept fees from carriers. No physician or
surgeon in the employ of the board for the purpose of making the
examinations required by section nineteen of this chapter, shall, during
such employment, be employed by or accept or participate in any fee from
any insurance company authorized to write workmen's compensation
insurance in this state or from any self-insurer, if such employment or
fee relates to a workmen's compensation claim or otherwise except as
herein provided. Any physician or surgeon so employed by the board who
violates the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a
misdemeanor.

The foregoing provisions of this section limiting and restricting the
employment of physicians or surgeons in the employ of the board and
their acceptance or participation in fees shall not be applicable to
medical treatment rendered to their patients who are or may be claimants
under article nine of this chapter, provided, however, that any such
physician or surgeon shall be disqualified from testifying as a witness
in any proceeding before the board or its referees in connection with
such claims.