HI SB876

Establishes a formal dispute resolution process for disagreements between employers or insurers and medical service providers regarding medical service charges in workers' compensation cases.

Requires disputes to be submitted to the director of labor and industrial relations by certified mail with clear "BILLING DISPUTE" identification, followed by a mandatory 31-day negotiation period between the parties.

Authorizes the director to render an administrative decision without a hearing if parties cannot reach agreement within 31 days, based on position statements filed within 14 days after the negotiation period ends.

Allows the director to assess a $250 fee against either or both parties who fail to negotiate in good faith, payable to the State of Hawaii general fund.

Makes the director's administrative decision appealable to the appellate board within 90 days and thereafter to the intermediate appellate court under chapter 602, Hawaii Revised Statutes; effective July 1, 2050.