Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

Hawaii House Bill HR208

Introduced
3/10/23  
Refer
3/15/23  
Report Pass
3/31/23  

Caption

Requesting The Hawaii State Center For Nursing To Convene A Working Group To Study The Potential Impacts To The State Of Joining The Multi-state Nurse Licensure Compact.

Impact

If adopted, joining the NLC would allow registered nurses in Hawaii to practice across state lines without needing additional licenses, which would be particularly advantageous in emergencies or disaster situations. This could lead to a more flexible and responsive healthcare workforce in the state, where nurses could provide essential services both physically and through telehealth options. The legislation anticipates that this measure could ease the financial and logistical burden on Hawaii's healthcare facilities, which have often had to rely on more expensive traveling nurses due to local shortages.

Summary

House Resolution 208 (HR208) requests the Hawaii State Center for Nursing to convene a working group tasked with studying the potential impacts of joining the Multi-State Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). This resolution comes in response to the projected growth in the nursing workforce and ongoing nursing shortages that have become more pronounced following the COVID-19 pandemic. With approximately 1,000 unfilled registered nurse positions in Hawaii and a significant percentage of the current workforce anticipating retirement, the bill aims to explore solutions that could fortify the state’s healthcare capabilities by allowing for a broader recruitment base.

Sentiment

Discussions surrounding HR208 reflect caution as well as optimism. Supporters advocate that joining the NLC offers a viable path to address local nursing shortages and enhance healthcare accessibility. On the other hand, there are underlying concerns regarding the implications this could have on local regulatory authority and oversight of nursing practices. Indeed, there exists a division on whether seamless practice across state lines would dilute the standards of care expected for nursing in Hawaii, leading to potential consequences in public health.

Contention

Notable points of contention in the deliberation of HR208 will likely center around what impacts joining the NLC might have on current regulations governing nursing practices within the state. There are fears that the transition could disrupt established oversight mechanisms, which play a crucial role in ensuring the competency and ethical practice of registered nurses. The resolution also calls for evaluating fiscal impacts alongside the jurisdictional and regulatory aspects of such a move, making it crucial to address any potential economic repercussions before proceeding.

Companion Bills

HI HCR204

Same As Requesting The Hawaii State Center For Nursing To Convene A Working Group To Study The Potential Impacts To The State Of Joining The Multi-state Nurse Licensure Compact.

Previously Filed As

HI HR106

Requesting The Establishment Of A Telehealth Working Group To Examine The Impact Of Widespread Telehealth Adoption During The Covid-19 Pandemic And Identify Public Policy Initiatives At The Federal And State Level To Optimize Telehealth Utilization As The State Transitions Out Of The Covid-19 Pandemic.

HI HCR125

Requesting The Establishment Of A Telehealth Working Group To Examine The Impact Of Widespread Telehealth Adoption During The Covid-19 Pandemic And Identify Public Policy Initiatives At The Federal And State Level To Optimize Telehealth Utilization As The State Transitions Out Of The Covid-19 Pandemic.

HI SCR94

Requesting The Establishment Of A Telehealth Working Group To Examine The Impact Of Widespread Telehealth Adoption During The Covid-19 Pandemic And Identify Public Policy Initiatives At The Federal And State Level To Optimize Telehealth Utilization As The State Transitions Out Of The Covid-19 Pandemic.

HI SR80

Requesting The Establishment Of A Telehealth Working Group To Examine The Impact Of Widespread Telehealth Adoption During The Covid-19 Pandemic And Identify Public Policy Initiatives At The Federal And State Level To Optimize Telehealth Utilization As The State Transitions Out Of The Covid-19 Pandemic.

HI HR193

Requesting The Hawaii State Energy Office To Convene A Renewable Liquid Fuels Working Group To Study Local Production, Development, And Incentives For Renewable Liquid Fuels.

HI HCR213

Requesting The Hawaii State Energy Office To Convene A Renewable Liquid Fuels Working Group To Study Local Production, Development, And Incentives For Renewable Liquid Fuels.

HI SR82

Requesting The Hawaii State Energy Office To Convene A Renewable Liquid Fuels Working Group To Study Local Production, Development, And Incentives For Renewable Liquid Fuels.

HI SCR97

Requesting The Hawaii State Energy Office To Convene A Renewable Liquid Fuels Working Group To Study Local Production, Development, And Incentives For Renewable Liquid Fuels.

HI SCR163

Requesting The Department Of The Attorney General To Convene A Working Group To Study The Effectiveness Of Existing State Laws In Addressing The False Labeling Of Hawaii-made Food Products, With A Specific Emphasis On The Legal Mechanisms And Costs Associated With Protecting The Brands Of Hawaii-made Food Products.

HI HR55

Requesting The Department Of Business, Economic Development, And Tourism To Convene A Sports Wagering Working Group To Conduct An Analysis Of The Potential Legalization And Regulation Of Online Sports Wagering In Hawaii.

Similar Bills

HI HCR204

Requesting The Hawaii State Center For Nursing To Convene A Working Group To Study The Potential Impacts To The State Of Joining The Multi-state Nurse Licensure Compact.

HI SCR112

Requesting The Hawaii State Center For Nursing To Convene A Working Group To Study The Feasibility And Impact Of The State Adopting The Nurse Licensure Compact.

HI SR118

Requesting The Hawaii State Center For Nursing To Convene A Working Group To Study The Feasibility And Impact Of The State Adopting The Nurse Licensure Compact.

HI SB1045

Relating To Career And Technical Education.

HI SB1045

Relating To Career And Technical Education.

HI SB305

Relating To Career And Technical Education.

HI HB244

Relating To Career And Technical Education.

HI SB305

Relating To Career And Technical Education.