State Legislation

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As a service to our clients, CorVel is providing links to information related to the COVID-19 pandemic provided by the states.

Legislature Status: Suspended indefinitely.

• Hawaii Department of Health coronavirus resource page.

Legislation

• HB 2459  Requires the department of health to conduct a study relating to the development and disbursement of vaccinations for modern disease outbreaks and procedures associated with medically authorized exemptions from mandatory vaccinations. Allows the department of health to partner with federal partners or universities to conduct relevant research for this study. Requires a report to the legislature. Pending.
• HB 1629  Appropriates over $10 million to various state and local authorities, including the Department of Health, Department of Transportation and the Department of Defense, in response to the coronavirus disease. Pending.
• SB 75  Appropriates funds to the Department of Health, Department of Transportation, and the Department of Defense for the public health response to the coronavirus outbreak. Pending.
• HCR 74 & HR 57  Requests the Department of Health to prioritize the containment and control of COVID-19 to those with a high probability of contracting and dying from the virus, such as the residents of care homes, nursing homes, and adult foster homes, their caregivers, and people with known comorbid medical conditions. Pending.
• HR 64  Urges all commercial airlines operating in Hawaii to thoroughly clean and disinfect their aircraft between flights to prevent the spread of illnesses and diseases, including COVID-19. Pending.
• HR 54  Establishes the select house committee on COVID-19 economic and financial preparedness. Adopted.
• SCR 152  Urges state and private health care networks to allow sick employees to take time off without fear of retaliation or retribution in light of COVID-19. Pending.
• HCR 127  Urges the President of the United States, United States Congress, United States Department of Health and Human Services, and United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to fully support Hawaii in the screening, prevention and containment of Covid-19. Pending.
• HR 171  Strongly urging the Governor of the state of Hawaii to take additional precautions to prevent a coronavirus outbreak in Hawaii. Pending. 
• SR 166  Requests all executive branch departments and agencies to inform the Hawaii Senate and House of Representatives when implementing their plans and procedures relating to the COVID-19 pandemic. Adopted.
• SR 146  Urges the Governor to create a color-coded advisory system to address the rapidly changing threat of COVID-19. Adopted.  
• SCR 242  Relates to the recess of the thirtieth Legislature, regular session of 2020. Adopted.

Hawaii Regulatory Updates 07/11/2024

Hawaii HB 1944 – Workers’ Compensation; Cervical and Lumbar Spinal Injuries; Coverage; MRI; Specialists

Issues: Workers’ Compensation (General)

Summary For 03/20/2024

This measure applies to workers’ compensation benefits.

It allows an employee to obtain the following medical care or services without a treatment plan within 60 days of an injury: (1) one magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the cervical spine and one MRI of the lumbar spine if the employee’s physician determines the employee has symptoms of a spinal injury or has a traumatic injury or neurologic symptoms to the cervical spine based on an x-ray or computed tomography scan; and (2) one consultation with an orthopedic or neurologic specialist if the employee’s physician determines that an orthopedic or neurologic specialist is needed for evaluation and treatment of the injury. The orthopedic or neurologic specialist must provide written consultation to the employer within seven days and a written report to the employer within 14 days of the consultation. This measure takes effect July 1, 2050.

Most Recent Update:

• 06/27/2024 – Signed by Governor Josh Green (D)

Hawaii Regulatory Updates 04/11/2024

Hawaii HB 1944 – Workers’ Compensation; Cervical and Lumbar Spinal Injuries; Coverage; MRI; Specialists

Issues: Workers’ Compensation (General)

Summary For 03/20/2024

This measure applies to workers’ compensation benefits.

It allows an employee to obtain the following medical care or services without a treatment plan within 60 days of an injury: (1) one magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the cervical spine and one MRI of the lumbar spine if the employee’s physician determines the employee has symptoms of a spinal injury or has a traumatic injury or neurologic symptoms to the cervical spine based on an x-ray or computed tomography scan; and (2) one consultation with an orthopedic or neurologic specialist if the employee’s physician determines that an orthopedic or neurologic specialist is needed for evaluation and treatment of the injury. The orthopedic or neurologic specialist must provide written consultation to the employer within seven days and a written report to the employer within 14 days of the consultation. This measure takes effect July 1, 2050.

Most Recent Update:

03/27/2024 – This measure was heard and passed on March 27 in the Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee by a vote of 4-0. It awaits further consideration in the Senate.

Hawaii Regulatory Updates 2/6/2023

HB 283 – Relating to Workers’ Compensation

Issues: Workers’ Compensation (General)

Summary:

This measure pertains to workers’ compensation. This measure establishes notice requirements for employers under Hawaii’s Workers’ Compensation Law. This measure requires employers who deny the compensability of an employee’s injury to submit a written report supporting the denial to the Director of Labor and Industrial Relations within 10 days. This measure requires employers to furnish to the injured employee up to $10,000 for medical care, services, and supplies for the period immediately following the injury and so long as reasonably needed or until the employer files a written report with the Director denying the compensability of the injury, whichever is earlier. This measure clarifies that failure to give an employer notice of an employee’s injury does not bar a claim for compensation if any person having authority in the interest of the employer had knowledge of the injury. This measure will take effect on 7/1/2023.

Most Recent Update:

01/20/2023 – This measure has been introduced for the 2023 legislative session. This measure awaits committee referral.

SB 918 – Establishes Notice Requirements For Employers Under Hawaii’s Workers’ Compensation Law. Requires Employers Who Deny the Compensability of an Employee’s Injury to Submit a Written Report Supporting the Denial to the Director of Labor and Industrial Relations Within a Specified Period. Requires Employers to Furnish to the Injured Employee Up to $10,000 For Medical Care, Services, and Supplies For the Period Immediately Following the Injury and So Long As Reasonably Needed or Until the Employer Files a Written Report With the Director Denying the Compensability of the Injury, Whichever Is Earlier. Clarifies That Failure to Give an Employer Notice of an Employee’s Injury Does Not Bar a Claim For Compensation If any Person Having Authority In the Interest of the Employer Had Knowledge of the Injury.

Issues: Workers’ Compensation (General)

Summary:

This measure pertains to workers’ compensation. This measure establishes notice requirements for employers under Hawaii’s Workers’ Compensation Law. This measure requires employers who deny the compensability of an employee’s injury to submit a written report supporting the denial to the Director of Labor and Industrial Relations within 10 days. This measure requires employers to furnish to the injured employee up to $10,000 for medical care, services, and supplies for the period immediately following the injury and so long as reasonably needed or until the employer files a written report with the Director denying the compensability of the injury, whichever is earlier. This measure clarifies that failure to give an employer notice of an employee’s injury does not bar a claim for compensation if any person having authority in the interest of the employer had knowledge of the injury. This measure will take effect on 7/1/2023.

Most Recent Update:

01/20/2023 – This measure has been introduced for the 2023 legislative session. This measure awaits committee referral.

HB 83 – Establishes Deadlines For Paying or Contesting Provider Bills Related to Workers’ Compensation Injury Treatment.

Issues: Workers’ Compensation (General)

Summary:

This measure sets deadlines for paying workers’ compensation benefits. Generally, payments are due within 60 days of receipt by a self-insured or employer or insurer. It also provides additional time for contests and reviews of the claims at hand.

Most Recent Update:

01/31/2023 – This measure is scheduled to be heard on January 31 in the Labor and Government Operations Committee, chaired by Rep. Scot Z. Matayoshi (D). The Hawaii legislature is meeting both in-person and virtually for the 2023 legislative session. The hearing will be available for the public via livestream. Anyone wishing to testify must submit testimony by registering here https://capitol.hawaii.gov/login/login.aspx.Testimony must be submitted at least 24 hours in advance of the hearing. Exceptions may be made at the discretion of the Chair. A vote usually happens after the hearing, but may occur later at the discretion of the Chair. The measure may be considered in multiple committees.

HB 922 – Increases the Percentage Rate of Weekly Workers’ Compensation Benefits For Partially Dependent Parents of a Deceased Child from Twenty-Five Per Cent to Fifty Per Cent.

Issues: Workers’ Compensation (General)

Summary:

This measure increases the percentage rate of weekly workers’ compensation benefits from 25% to 50% for partially dependent parents of a deceased child. This measure takes effect upon enactment.

Most Recent Update:

01/23/2023 – This measure has been introduced for the 2023 legislative session. This measure awaits committee referral.

SB 1115 – Increases the Percentage Rate of Weekly Workers’ Compensation Benefits For Partially Dependent Parents of a Deceased Child from Twenty-Five Per Cent to Fifty Per Cent.

Issues: Workers’ Compensation (General)

Summary:

This measure increases the percentage rate of weekly workers’ compensation benefits from 25% to 50% for partially dependent parents of a deceased child. This measure takes effect upon enactment.

Most Recent Update:

01/20/2023 – This measure has been introduced for the 2023 legislative session. This measure awaits committee referral.

Hawaii Regulatory Updates 9/1/2021

HB 92 – Short Form Bill Relating to Workers’ Compensation

Issues: Workers’ Compensation (General)

Summary:

This measure is a short form bill relating to workers’ compensation. This measure is a short form bill. This measure may be amended to relate to workers’ compensation.

Most Recent Update:

4/29/2021 This measure was referred to the House Labor and Tourism Committee. This measure is eligible to be scheduled for a hearing.

Hawaii Regulatory Updates 07/15/2020

SB 1523 – RELATING TO WORKERS’ COMPENSATION.

Issues: Special Request, Workers’ Compensation (Medical Marijuana)

Summary:

This measure allows for medical cannabis reimbursement by workers’ compensation.

This measure allows for medical cannabis reimbursement by workers’ compensation. This measure lays out reimbursement terms.

Most Recent Update: The Hawaii Legislature adjourned sine die on July 10, 2020.

This measure is ineligible for any further consideration.

Hawaii Regulatory Updates 08/01/2019

HB 1534 – Relating to Workers’ Compensation

Issues: Workers’ Compensation (Medical Marijuana), Special Request

Summary:

This measure allows for medical cannabis reimbursement by workers’ compensation.

This measure allows for medical cannabis reimbursement by workers’ compensation. This measure lays out reimbursement terms.

The measure stipulates that the maximum reimbursement for medical cannabis shall be determined by the method and amount set forth in the health care provider fee schedule. Medical cannabis must be reasonable and necessary medical treatment only where an authorized provider testifies that the benefits outweigh the health risks. At least one physician who certifies the worker for medical cannabis must be an authorized health care provider.

The measure stipulates that the worker should be reimbursed under the following circumstances:

i. out of pocket costs for medical cannabis

ii.worker shall submit an itemized receipt issued by the licensed provider

iii. the reimbursement shall be set by the fee schedule

iv. reimbursements will be made for pre-filled and sealed containers rather than paraphernalia

v. reimbursements will not be made for expenses related to personal production or cannabis from sources other than a licensed producer.

Most Recent Update: This measure is eligible to be carried over to the 2020 Legislative Session. In Hawaii, the Legislature’s rules allow for measures to be carried over from the first to the second regular session and to any extraordinary session of the same general assembly. The status of each bill and resolution will be the same at the beginning of each second session as it was immediately before adjournment of the previous regular or extraordinary session. The Hawaii Legislature is expected to convene for the 2020 Legislative Session January 15, 2020.

Hawaii Services

• Workers’ compensation claims administration
• Medical bill review in compliance with state requirements
• PPO network development and management
• Comprehensive case management

Hawaii Resources

Hawaii Compensation Website

Hawaii Government Website