HI HB922

Amends Hawaii Revised Statutes section 386-21(c) to allow (rather than require) the Director of Labor and Industrial Relations to decide disputes over treatment plans and continued medical services without a hearing if both parties consent.

Authorization expires on June 30, 2015, unless extended by further legislation.

Addresses processing delays caused by budgetary cuts and staff reductions, which currently result in three to four months to schedule hearings, notice parties, conduct hearings, and render decisions.

Enables faster resolution of workers' compensation disputes, allowing injured workers, insurance carriers, and employers to receive decisions more promptly and freeing up the hearing system for other cases.

Received support from the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, labor unions, industry associations, and employer groups.