HI SB2123

Requires independent medical examinations and permanent impairment rating examinations in workers' compensation claims to be conducted by physicians mutually agreed upon by employers and employees, replacing employer unilateral selection authority.

Establishes a physician selection process where parties mutually agree on a doctor; if they cannot agree, they jointly create a list of five physicians with alternating strikes until one remains.

Allows out-of-state physicians to be selected with director approval if no Hawaii-licensed physician is available in the required specialty, or if the employee resides out-of-state.

Requires the employer to provide the injured worker written notice at least five working days before the examination and promptly share the examination report with the employee.

Limits examinations to one independent medical examination and one permanent impairment rating examination per case unless valid medical reasons exist; suspends compensation only if employee unreasonably refuses or interferes with the examination.