HI HB88

Requires the examining physician in workers' compensation claims to be mutually selected by the employer and employee, or appointed by the Director of Labor if parties cannot agree.

Mandates that the employer notify the employee at least five working days before the examination appointment and provide a copy of the examination report promptly to the employee or employee's representative.

Limits independent medical examinations and permanent impairment rating examinations to one of each per case unless valid medical reasons exist, and prohibits combining both examinations into a single examination without written employee consent.

Restricts examining physicians to those licensed in Hawaii or, with director approval, out-of-state physicians in specialty areas where no qualified Hawaii-licensed physician is available.

Caps examination costs at complex consultation charges under the medical fee schedule and preserves the employee's right to have a designated physician or chaperone present and to record the examination.