HI HB1640

Employers must pay for all medical services required for compensable workplace injuries and recovery, regardless of whether the claim is under investigation.

Employers must notify service providers of disputed charges within a specified number of calendar days of receipt; failure to notify timely renders the employer liable for all services until the notice requirement is satisfied.

Employers must pay all undisputed charges within 60 calendar days of receipt; after 60 days, providers may add 1% monthly interest to outstanding undisputed balances.

Establishes a dispute resolution process where providers can file bill dispute requests with the Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations; the director can assess fees up to $1,000 against parties who fail to negotiate in good faith.

Employees must repay benefits or payments received if a disputed claim is later found to be non-compensable, with recoupment made to the source providing compensation.