Bill > HB817

This bill aims to address healthcare provider shortages in Hawaii, particularly in rural and neighbor island areas, by reducing administrative barriers for organized ambulatory health care facilities. Specifically, the bill allows physicians to practice at these facilities without requiring hospital privileges in the same geographical location and eliminates the need for written transfer agreements when transferring patients to a licensed hospital. The legislation is motivated by the ongoing challenges in healthcare access, which were further exacerbated by the 2023 Maui wildfires that damaged medical practices and facilities. An organized ambulatory health care facility, as defined in existing law, is typically a medical facility that provides outpatient services. By removing these administrative requirements, the bill seeks to make it easier for healthcare providers to serve medically underserved communities, particularly on neighbor islands like Maui, where physician shortages are acute and residents often must travel to receive specialized care. The bill will take effect upon approval and does not impact any rights, duties, penalties, or proceedings that existed prior to its enactment.

Health and Social Services

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=817&year=2026