HI HR104

Requests the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations to convene a working group to streamline Hawaii's workers' compensation process under chapter 386, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

Directs the working group to consider converting to a computerized system to streamline the filing process for workers' compensation claims.

Working group membership to include the Director of Labor and Industrial Relations or Deputy Director (as Chairperson), Director of Human Resources Development, workers' compensation insurers, attorneys representing employers and employees, mutual benefit society representatives, health maintenance organization representatives, health care providers, and appointees from the President of the Senate and Speaker of the House.

Working group must submit a report with findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than 20 days before the Regular Session of 2017.

Addresses documented delays in workers' compensation claim processing, including extended waits for independent medical examinations (over one year) and settlement payment processing (over six months).