HB2387 SD2

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	2387
TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2008		H.D. 1
STATE OF HAWAII		S.D. 2

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. (a) There is established a working group on funding for workers' compensation independent medical examinations, to be placed under the department of labor and industrial relations for administrative purposes.

(b) The purpose of the working group on funding for workers' compensation independent medical examinations shall be to study and determine the alternative methods or combination of methods of paying impartial physicians to conduct medical examinations pursuant to section 386-80, Hawaii Revised Statutes. The study shall be undertaken with a view toward providing equity and fairness in funding independent medical examinations, so that the employer, employer's insurer, special compensation fund, and state general fund are not disproportionately burdened or otherwise disadvantaged in paying for the examinations.

(c) The working group on funding for workers' compensation independent medical examinations shall be composed of one representative from each of the following entities, to be selected by that entity:

(1) Department of labor and industrial relations;

(2) Department of human resources development;

(3) Hawaii Government Employees Association;

(4) United Public Workers Local 646;

(5) ILWU Local 142;

(6) The Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii;

(7) American Insurance Association;

(8) Hawaii Insurers Council;

(9) American Physical Therapy Association;

(10) Hawaii State Chiropractic Association;

(11) Hawaii Medical Association;

(12) Hawaii State Bar Association; and

(13) Hawaiian Electric Company, Incorporated.

(d) The department of labor and industrial relations shall have the responsibility to convene the meetings of the working group on funding for workers' compensation independent medical examinations, and to make the report under subsection (f).

(e) Members of the working group on funding for workers' compensation independent medical examinations shall receive no compensation for their services, but may be reimbursed for travel costs necessary for the performance of their duties under this Act.

(f) The working group on funding for workers' compensation independent medical examinations shall report its findings and recommendations, including suggested legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2009.

(g) The working group on funding for workers' compensation independent medical examinations shall cease to exist on May 15, 2009.

SECTION 2. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.