HI HB463

Allows an injured employee's initial physician or surgeon to conduct diagnostic testing or make up to one referral to a board-certified or licensed specialist for a subspecialty consultation for diagnostic evaluation and treatment recommendations.

Protects the one-time specialist consultation from being contested by the insurer or employer, regardless of whether the specialist is affiliated with a medical facility where the physician has a financial interest.

Requires the physician or surgeon to notify the department and employer when making the one-time specialist referral allowed under this provision.

Sunsets on June 30, 2014, at which time section 386-21 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes reverts to its previous form.