Can employees select their own doctors for treatment under Hawaii's workers' compensation system?

Under Hawaii's workers' compensation system, employees have the right to select their own healthcare providers for treatment related to work-related injuries, but there are specific guidelines in place. Employers and insurers have the ability to direct care through approved providers, which means that while employees can choose their doctors, they may be encouraged or required to use healthcare practitioners within an established network. This system helps to streamline the process of obtaining appropriate care and ensures that providers are familiar with the workers' compensation guidelines.

The provision for employer or insurer-directed care through approved providers is intended to ensure that the treatment meets the required standards and is covered under the workers' compensation policy. By doing this, the system aims to manage costs and ensure that injured employees receive appropriate and timely medical care.

This approach balances the flexibility of employee choice with the necessity of maintaining a standard of care within the workers' compensation framework, effectively addressing the needs of both employees and employers while ensuring that the care provided is aligned with the regulations and benefits set forth by the workers' compensation law in Hawaii.