Opinion ID: 1160462
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Credit for voluntary payments and supplies in kind.

Text: (a) Any payments made by the employer to the injured employee during the employee's disability or to the employee's dependents which by the terms of this chapter were not payable when made, shall be deducted from the amount payable as compensation subject to the approval of the director; provided that: (1) The employer notifies the injured employee and the director in writing of any such credit request stating the reasons for such credit and informing the injured employee that the employee has the right to file a written request for a hearing to submit any evidence to dispute such a credit; . . . . (3) If overpayment cannot be credited, the director shall order the claimant to reimburse the employer. Failure to reimburse the employer shall entitle the employer to file for enforcement of such a decision in accordance with section 386-91. HRS § 386-52 (1993). Because Claimant's attendant care services were not constantly necessary under HRS § 386-23, see supra Part II.A, the benefits paid by Employer/Carrier were not payable when made. By letter dated February 8, 1991, Employer/Carrier informed Claimant that they would continue to provide attendant care services, but only under the HRS § 386-52 credit provision pending a decision by the DCD on the attendant care issue. In the letter, Employer/Carrier expressly stated: This letter is to notify you of our credit request and to inform you that you have a right to file a written request for a hearing to submit any evidence to dispute such a credit. The letter clearly satisfies the notice requirements of HRS § 386-52 as to payments made after February 9, 1991. [11] Because Employer/Carrier complied with HRS § 386-52, Claimant's contention that the LIRAB abused its discretion in ordering reimbursement is meritless.