Services — Rule 35 examinations
Rule 35 court-ordered psychiatric examinations
Psychiatric examinations conducted under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 35 and Nevada Rule of Civil Procedure 35 when a party’s mental condition is in controversy in pending litigation.
What a Rule 35 examination is
When a party’s mental condition is in controversy in pending civil litigation, the court may order an examination by a suitably licensed or certified examiner under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 35 (federal court) or the equivalent state procedural rule (Nevada Rule of Civil Procedure 35; analogous rules apply in other jurisdictions). Rule 35 examinations differ from voluntary IMEs because they are compelled by court order rather than agreed to between parties.
Examiner qualifications
Dr. Cichon’s qualifications meet the “suitably licensed or certified examiner” standard for psychiatric Rule 35 examinations:
- Board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in Psychiatry (2015)
- Subspecialty board certified in Brain Injury Medicine (ABPN 2022, certificate #227)
- Active medical licensure in five states (NV, CA, UT, AZ, WY)
- Federal court qualified — testimony admitted in the United States District Court for the District of Nevada
- 30+ depositions and trials since 2022 across NV state, NV federal, and WY workers’ compensation jurisdictions
Examination scope
Rule 35 examinations are typically scoped to the specific psychiatric condition in controversy as defined in the order. Common scopes include:
- Diagnosis and severity of asserted psychiatric injury
- Causation analysis (event vs. pre-existing vs. unrelated)
- Current functional status and prognosis
- Recommended treatment
- For TBI cases: neuropsychiatric component including EEG Brainview and cognitive testing where the order permits (see neuropsychiatric examinations)
- Symptom validity and malingering assessment where appropriate
Report and protective scope
The report is provided to counsel and produced under the protective conditions specified in the order. Reports are deposition-ready and structured to address the specific findings the order requires. Deposition and trial testimony is provided where required.
Geographic coverage
In-person Rule 35 examinations are performed at the practice address in Las Vegas, Nevada. Telemedicine Rule 35 examinations are available where the ordering court permits remote examination, in Dr. Cichon’s licensure states (NV, CA, UT, AZ, WY).
Request a Rule 35 examination
Contact the practice with the case caption, court, the order’s scope, the deadline, and any relevant records. We’ll respond within one to two business days with scheduling.