SB 829: RELATING TO HEALTH CARE.

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.

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.