HI HB2152

Original bill proposed increasing the workers' compensation medical fee schedule from 110% to 130% of the Medicare Resource Based Relative Value Scale, effective January 2, 2013.

Committee amended the bill to delete the fee increase and instead require the Office of the Auditor to conduct a comprehensive study of Hawaii's workers' compensation system.

Committee findings noted that only 10% of Hawaii physicians treat workers' compensation patients due to high administrative costs and paperwork burdens, resulting in potential untreated patients or substandard care.

Auditor's study should consider the framework from the Legislative Reference Bureau's 2007 report on workers' compensation fee schedules and comparative reimbursements when conducting the analysis.

Committee recommends passage of the amended bill (HB2152, HD2, SD2) to enable the Legislature to appropriately address workers' compensation issues after the Auditor's study is completed.