Bill > HB799

This bill addresses healthcare provider shortages in rural and neighbor island communities in Hawaii by modifying regulations for ambulatory health care facilities. Specifically, the bill allows physicians to practice at organized ambulatory health care facilities without requiring hospital privileges in the same geographical location, but only in counties with populations under 500,000. This provision aims to reduce administrative barriers and improve healthcare access in medically underserved areas, particularly on islands like Maui, which was severely impacted by the 2023 wildfires. The bill requires the Department of Health to conduct an evaluation of the policy's impact on local health care systems, surgical access, and financial stability, and to submit a report to the legislature before the 2027 regular session. Healthcare providers, systems, and insurance providers must comply with data requests for this evaluation. The bill will take effect on July 1, 2025, and will be automatically repealed on June 30, 2028, making it a temporary measure designed to address immediate healthcare workforce challenges in smaller, rural Hawaiian counties.

Business and Industry, Health and Social Services

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=799&year=2025