The bill significantly impacts the provisions of the Hawaii Revised Statutes, specifically Section 453-5.5, which previously outlined the authority of physician assistants. With the inclusion of respiratory therapy orders under their purview, physician assistants will be able to facilitate patient care more effectively, particularly within settings that involve respiratory illnesses. This change is anticipated to improve the overall healthcare delivery model in Hawaii by ensuring that more healthcare providers can engage in necessary treatment protocols promptly.
House Bill 664 in Hawaii seeks to expand the authority of physician assistants by allowing them to sign orders for respiratory therapy and care plans. This amendment is meant to address the growing demand for respiratory care services, particularly in light of increasing respiratory illnesses in the population. By giving physician assistants more responsibilities in this area, the bill aims to enhance access to care and improve the operational efficiency of healthcare services in Hawaii. Notably, it also acknowledges advanced practice registered nurses as eligible to oversee the practice of respiratory therapy, further amplifying the pool of qualified healthcare providers.
There may be points of contention surrounding the bill, particularly around the roles and responsibilities of various healthcare providers in Hawaii. Critics could argue that expanding the authority of physician assistants and advanced practice registered nurses without sufficient oversight could compromise patient safety or care quality. Nonetheless, the proponents of HB 664 argue that these changes are a necessary evolution in the healthcare system to meet patients' needs sustainably and effectively, especially as healthcare demand continues to grow amidst ongoing public health challenges.