HI SB1174

Requires independent medical examinations and permanent impairment rating examinations to be conducted by a physician mutually selected and agreed upon by both the employer and employee.

Establishes a process for physician selection if parties cannot agree, allowing submission to the insurance commissioner, arbitration, or circuit court for appointment.

Requires the employer to provide written notice to the selected physician at least five working days before the examination, with copies of examination reports promptly provided to the employee.

Limits examinations to one independent medical examination and one permanent impairment rating examination per case unless valid medical reasons exist, such as major surgery or treatment progress changes.

Suspends an employee's compensation rights if they refuse to submit to or unreasonably interfere with a scheduled examination, with no compensation payable during the suspension period; examination costs limited to complex consultation charges under the medical fee schedule.