STAND. COM. REP. NO.  304-10

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2010

RE:   H.B. No. 2637

Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Fifth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2010

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce, to which was referred H.B. No. 2637 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO MEDICAL AND REHABILITATION BENEFITS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this bill is to ensure that injured workers have access to appropriate care by clarifying 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 without contest by an insurer or employer.

     Hawaii Medical Association, Hawaii Injured Workers Alliance, ILWU Local 142, Hawaii Chapter–American Physical Therapy Association, and a concerned individual supported this bill.  The Hawaii Insurers Council supported this bill with amendments.  The Department of Human Resources Development and Department of Labor and Industrial Relations opposed this bill.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2637 and recommends that it be referred to the Committee on Finance.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce,

____________________________

ROBERT N. HERKES, Chair