H.C.R. 168 Summary

• Requests the State Auditor to study and assess the impact of medical bill review costs (including pharmacy benefit manager and third party administrator costs) on Hawaii's workers' compensation system.

• Medical bill review fees may represent up to 50 percent of total per-claim handling fees but are often not considered when comparing total provider service costs because they are charged as allocated expenses outside of fixed claim administration fees.

• Requires the Auditor to complete the study by November 30, 2017, and submit findings to the Legislature no later than 20 days before the 2018 regular session convenes.

• Aims to help the State understand fee structures and control workers' compensation costs while ensuring injured employees receive the same standard of service and care under workers' compensation law.

• Directs transmission of the resolution to the Auditor, Director of Labor and Industrial Relations, and Director of Human Resources Development.