House Passes Comp Bills

The Hawaii House of Representatives passed a handful of workers' compensation bills addressing vocational rehabilitation, treatment plans and prescription drugs. The House on Tuesday passed HB 1514, which would require providers to approve vocational rehabilitation services if the doctor determines an injured worker is likely to require rehabilitation to return to gainful employment, and if an initial evaluation finds that the worker can participate in the program. Additionally, the bill would clarify the process for selecting a provider of rehabilitation services, including allowing the...