Read the full stored bill text
HB817
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
H.B. NO.
817
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025
STATE OF HAWAII
A BILL FOR AN ACT
relating
to health care
.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
����
SECTION 1.
�
The
legislature finds that Hawaii continues to face a significant health care
provider shortage, especially in rural areas and on the neighbor islands.
�
In the past decade, workforce demands have
continued to climb as the State struggles to meet the demand for
physicians.
�
This demand is especially
acute when it comes to the need for medical specialists on the neighbor
islands.
�
The federal government has
designated the neighbor islands as medically underserved areas, and many
residents are forced to fly to the island of Oahu to obtain appropriate health
care.
����
The legislature recognizes that, while
there is a need for health care providers on all islands, the level of demand
in rural areas and neighbor island communities may sometimes challenge a
provider's ability to establish and sustain full‑time practices.
�
Due to the shortage of full-time specialists
on the neighbor islands, some Oahu-based providers schedule rotations to the
neighbor islands to coordinate care, address gaps in needed services, and to reduce
the need for neighbor island residents to travel to receive care.
����
The legislature also recognizes that the
impacts of the 2023 wildfires on the island of Maui deeply exacerbated the
island's physician shortage.
�
Many
medical practices were forced to relocate or close, and medical facilities were
damaged.
�
These closures place added
stress on Maui's healthcare system and on the State's healthcare system as a
whole.
�
A recent physician workforce
report speculated that the physician shortage on the island of Maui is likely
worse than the State's latest estimate.
�
The legislature understands that it is critical to maintain a robust and
integrated healthcare system across the State that allows ease of access for
all residents.
����
The legislature believes that organized
ambulatory health care facilities are one way to ensure access to care for
residents in rural areas, neighbor islands, and communities in the State that
are still rebuilding.
�
These facilities
allow providers from other areas, and across multiple specialties, to provide health
care services to medically underserved residents.
����
Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to
support the provision of care by reducing the administrative burden for
organized ambulatory health care facilities.
����
SECTION
2.
�
Chapter 323, Hawaii Revised Statutes,
is amended by adding a new section to part I to be appropriately designated and
to read as follows:
����
"
�323-
��
��
Organized ambulatory
health care facilities.
�
(a)
�
A
physician practicing at an organized ambulatory health care facility shall not
be required to have hospital privileges at a licensed hospital in the same
geographical location as the organized ambulatory health care facility.
����
(b)
�
A written transfer agreement
shall not be required to transfer a patient from an organized ambulatory health
care facility to a licensed hospital.
����
(c)
�
For purposes of this section,
"organized ambulatory health care facility" has the same meaning as
defined in section 323D-2.
"
����
SECTION 3.
�
This Act does not affect rights and duties that matured, penalties that
were incurred, and proceedings that were begun before its effective date.
����
SECTION 4.
�
New statutory material is underscored.
����
SECTION 5.
�
This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
INTRODUCED BY:
_____________________________
Report Title:
Healthcare;
Organized Ambulatory Health Care Facility; Physicians; Transfer
Description:
Authorizes
physicians to practice at organized ambulatory health care facilities even if
the physician does not have hospital privileges at a licensed hospital in the
same geographic location as the ambulatory facility.
�
Provides that a written transfer agreement is
not required to transfer a patient from an organized ambulatory health care
facility to a licensed hospital.
The summary description
of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is
not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.