HI HB466

Requires independent medical examinations and permanent impairment rating examinations to be performed by physicians mutually agreed upon by employers and employees, or appointed by the director of labor and industrial relations if parties cannot agree.

Establishes a seven calendar day timeline for the director to appoint a physician from a maintained list of qualified physicians if the employer and employee cannot agree.

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 employer-requested medical examinations to one independent medical examination and one permanent impairment rating examination per case, unless valid reasons exist regarding medical progress or contemplated surgery.

Appropriates unspecified funds for fiscal year 2012-2013 to establish three workers' compensation hearings officer positions and two office assistant positions in the department of labor and industrial relations; effective October 1, 2012 with sunset on June 30, 2017.