HI SB1116

Amends Section 386-79 of Hawaii Revised Statutes to require independent medical examinations and permanent impairment rating examinations be conducted by a chiropractor or physician mutually selected by the employer and employee.

If parties cannot reach mutual agreement on the examining chiropractor or physician, the Director of Labor and Industrial Relations shall appoint an impartial examiner paid from departmental funds.

Requires the employer to notify the selected examiner and injured employee at least five working days before the appointment, and the employee must receive a copy of the examination report promptly.

Limits examination frequency to one independent medical examination and one permanent impairment rating examination per case unless valid medical reasons exist, and prohibits combining both examinations unless the employee consents in writing.

Specifies that examinations must occur within 45 days of notice and cost is limited to complex consultation charges under the medical fee schedule; employee refusal or unreasonable interference results in suspension of compensation benefits until compliance occurs.