HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	912
THIRTIETH LEGISLATURE, 2019		H.D. 1
STATE OF HAWAII		S.D. 1

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO WORKERS' COMPENSATION.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. Chapter 386, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§386-   Payment by employer for compensable injuries. (a) Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, the employer shall pay for all medical services required by the employee related to the compensable injury and the employee's rehabilitation. The employer shall not be required to pay for medical services unrelated to the compensable injury.

(b) If the employer elects to controvert the employee's claim for medical services or any portion thereof, the employer shall provide notice of the denial to the health care provider within sixty calendar days of the date that the employer receives the bill from the health care provider. In the event that the employer fails to dispute the employee's claim with the health care provider within the sixty-day period, the employer shall be liable for the services provided, with reasonable evidence showing that the billing was received.

(c) The employer shall pay for all charges billed within sixty calendar days of receipt of such charges; except for items where:

(1) There is a reasonable disagreement; and

(2) The employer has submitted timely notice as required under subsection (b).

(d) If more than sixty calendar days have lapsed between the employer's receipt of an undisputed billing and date of payment, payment of the billing shall be increased by one per cent per month of the outstanding balance."

SECTION 2. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on January 1, 2050.

Report Title:

Workers' Compensation; Compensable Medical Bills; Employer Payment

Description:

Requires an employer to pay for all medical services related to an employee's compensable injury and the employee's rehabilitation within 60 days of receipt of the bill for services. Establishes a process for employers to dispute the payment of an employee's medical bill. Takes effect 1/1/2050. (SD1)

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.