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THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
2566 |
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TWENTY-FIFTH LEGISLATURE, 2010 |
H.D. 2 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
C.D. 1 |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO MEDICAL AND REHABILITATION BENEFITS.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. Section 386-21, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (b) to read as follows:
"(b) Whenever medical care is needed, the
injured employee may select any physician or surgeon who is practicing on the
island where the injury was incurred to render medical care. The physician
or surgeon may conduct diagnostic testing or engage in a one-time consultation
for subspecialty diagnostic evaluation and treatment recommendations from a
board-certified or licensed specialist, and the request for or provision of
such diagnostic services shall not be subject to contest by an insurer or
employer; provided that the one-time consultation may be made regardless of
whether the board-certified or licensed specialist works in a medical facility
in which the physician or surgeon has a financial interest. If the
services of a specialist are indicated, the employee may select any physician
or surgeon practicing in the [State.] state. The director may
authorize the selection of a specialist practicing outside the [State] state
where no comparable medical attendance within the [State] state is
available. Upon procuring the services of a physician or surgeon, the injured
employee shall give proper notice of the employee's selection to the employer
within a reasonable time after the beginning of the treatment. If for any
reason during the period when medical care is needed, the employee wishes to
change to another physician or surgeon, the employee may do so in accordance
with rules prescribed by the director. If the employee is unable to select a
physician or surgeon and the emergency nature of the injury requires immediate
medical attendance, or if the employee does not desire to select a physician or
surgeon and so advises the employer, the employer shall select the physician or
surgeon. The selection, however, shall not deprive the employee of the
employee's right of subsequently selecting a physician or surgeon for
continuance of needed medical care."
SECTION 2. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2010.
Report Title:
Medical and Rehabilitation Benefits
Description:
Clarifies that a physician or surgeon may conduct diagnostic testing or engage in a one-time consultation for a subspecialty diagnostic evaluation and treatment recommendations from a board-certified or licensed specialist. Allows for the one-time consultation to be referred to a board-certified or licensed specialist working in a facility in which a physician or surgeon may have a financial interest. (CD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.