Which statement best describes the relationship between permanent and stationary status and MMI?

• A. Permanent and stationary is reached before MMI
• B. Permanent and stationary is unrelated to MMI
• C. Permanent and stationary is reached when MMI is reached
• D. Permanent and stationary occurs after MMI and resolution

Answer: (C)

Permanent and stationary status is reached at the point when a condition has stabilized and further medical treatment is not expected to significantly change it. This is exactly when maximum medical improvement (MMI) is reached. Once MMI is achieved, the injury is considered to have reached a plateau, allowing for permanent impairment to be assessed and for decisions about permanency and benefits to move forward.

So, the best description is that permanent and stationary status occurs when MMI is reached. The other options don’t fit because P&S isn’t established before MMI, it isn’t unrelated to MMI, and it isn’t something that happens after MMI as a separate phase.