HI SCR54

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

Directs the Auditor to submit a preliminary report on study progress and findings to the Legislature by January 1, 2019.

Requires the State Health Planning and Development Agency to provide access to the all-payer claims database to assist the Auditor in compiling medical bill review cost data.

Notes that medical bill review service fees may represent up to 50 percent of total per-claim handling fees and are often not transparently disclosed or considered when comparing total provider service costs.

Requests certified copies be transmitted to the Auditor, Director of Labor and Industrial Relations, Director of Human Resources Development, and Administrator of the State Health Planning and Development Agency.