Bill > HCR139

This Concurrent Resolution requests the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs to study and analyze the specific duties and responsibilities, known as "scopes of practice," for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) and Physician Assistants (PAs) in Hawaii. The resolution acknowledges that there is a shortage of physicians, particularly in rural areas, and that APRNs and PAs are crucial in addressing these healthcare access gaps. It also notes that previous legislative efforts have aimed to broaden the services these professionals can offer. The Department is specifically asked to examine whether the scopes of practice for APRNs and PAs should be expanded in areas such as school-based health, HIV care for minors, abortion care, the process for prescribing controlled substances, certain laboratory tests, and medical aid in dying. The analysis may include comparing Hawaii's practices to those in other states. Finally, the Department is required to submit a report with its findings and any proposed legislative changes to the Hawaii Legislature by early 2023.