HI HB480

Allows an injured employee's attending physician to request and refer the employee for a functional capacity examination without obtaining prior permission from the employer, provided the employee has reached medical stabilization and is permanently unable to return to usual employment.

Requires the attending physician to submit in writing to the employer the name, business address, discipline, specialty of the qualified health care provider, and reasons for the examination at least seven calendar days before the referral.

Mandates the qualified health care provider to provide a copy of the functional capacity examination report to both the attending physician and employer no later than fourteen calendar days after the examination date.

Makes employer responsible for paying all fees associated with functional capacity examinations requested by the attending physician.

Qualifies licensed occupational therapists and physical therapists to perform functional capacity examinations under workers' compensation law, in addition to existing qualified health care providers.

Takes effect July 1, 2050.