Employers Oppose, but Bills Taking Aim at IME Process Move Forward

A committee in the Hawaii House of Representatives has approved the first two bills in a package of legislation that aims to give claimants more control over independent medical examinations in workers' compensation claims. The House Labor and Public Employment Committee on Thursday voted 7-0 to approve House Bill 389 and HB 390, both introduced by Reps. Aaron Ling Johanson, D-Moanalua, and Stacelynn Eli, D-Ewa Villages. HB 389 requires an IME to be conducted within 30 days of the claimant’s receipt of notice, and requires reports to be completed within 30 days of the examinati...