Bill > HB1046

This bill authorizes the Hawaii Medical Board to conduct criminal history record checks for physicians seeking licensure through the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC), a voluntary agreement among states that streamlines the process for licensed physicians to practice in multiple states. Specifically, the bill amends existing state law to add the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs' ability to perform criminal history checks on physician license applicants participating in the IMLC. The legislation aims to enable Hawaii to serve as a "state of principal license" within the compact, which means physicians primarily licensed in Hawaii can more easily obtain medical licenses in other participating states. To support this implementation, the bill appropriates $25,000 for two fiscal years (2025-2026 and 2026-2027) to cover the Hawaii Medical Board's costs of updating internal databases and implementing the compact's requirements. The changes will take effect on July 1, 2025, and will help Hawaiian physicians expand their medical practice across state lines more efficiently by simplifying the multi-state licensing process.

Health and Social Services

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1046&year=2026