STAND. COM. REP. NO. 53-24

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2024

RE: H.B. No. 1944

H.D. 1

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2024

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Labor & Government Operations, to which was referred H.B. No. 1944 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO WORKERS' COMPENSATION,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to authorize certain types of radiographical coverage and specialist consultations without a treatment plan within the context of workers' compensation coverage for employees with cervical and lumbar spinal injuries, or suspected cervical and lumbar spinal injuries.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations; Disability and Communication Access Board; Hawaii Insurers Council; Premier Medical Group Hawaii; and one individual. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Human Resources of the City and County of Honolulu.

Your Committee finds that for cervical and lumbar spinal injuries, it is critical that an individual receive an accurate diagnosis for effective treatment planning. Radiographic imaging plays a pivotal role in identifying the extent and nature of injuries to the spine, while comprehensive consultations facilitate a holistic understanding of the injury to enable a better pathway for rehabilitation and recovery. This measure ensures that injured workers suffering from serious injuries to the cervical or lumbar spine receive timely and appropriate care, which promotes better outcomes and a smoother return to work.

Your Committee has amended this measure by changing the effective date to July 1, 3000, to encourage further discussion.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Labor & Government Operations that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1944, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 1944, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Labor & Government Operations,

____________________________

SCOT Z. MATAYOSHI, Chair