HI HB466

Adds new section 386 to Hawaii Revised Statutes allowing employers to appoint qualified physicians for independent medical examinations and permanent impairment rating examinations, with mutual agreement of employer and employee or appointment by the director if parties cannot agree.

Requires the director to maintain a list of qualified physicians and appoint a physician within seven calendar days of written request if parties cannot agree; examination must occur within thirty days of selection or appointment.

Prohibits combining independent medical examinations and permanent impairment rating examinations into a single examination unless the injured employee provides written consent prior to scheduling.

Limits employers to requesting no more than one independent medical examination and one permanent impairment rating examination per case unless valid medical reasons exist regarding the employee's treatment progress; costs capped at complex consultation charges under the medical fee schedule.

Repeals existing section 386-79 governing medical examinations by employer's physician; appropriates unspecified funds for three permanent workers' compensation hearings officer positions and two office assistant positions in the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations; takes effect July 1, 2030 and repeals June 30, 2013.