Hawaii House Bill HB73

Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/19/23
• Refer: 1/25/23

Caption

Relating To The John A. Burns School Of Medicine.

Impact

If enacted, HB 73 would amend Chapter 304A of the Hawaii Revised Statutes to establish a formal requirement for service in exchange for reduced tuition fees. This change is expected to help alleviate some of the structural challenges faced by Hawaii's healthcare system, including geographical limitations in providing care and a shortage of practitioners in rural areas. By ensuring that graduates contribute to the local healthcare landscape, the bill has the potential to influence health outcomes positively.

Summary

House Bill 73 is designed to address the critical shortage of healthcare professionals in Hawaii by linking tuition assistance for students at the John A. Burns School of Medicine to a service commitment. The legislation stipulates that students who pay resident tuition fees must work in the state for at least five years after their graduation. This initiative reflects the state's ongoing efforts to retain medical graduates within its borders, thereby improving healthcare access and quality for local residents. The bill aims to foster a stable workforce in the medical sector by incentivizing graduates to commit to serving the community, especially in areas that may be underserved.

Contention

Debate around HB 73 may arise regarding the implications of imposing such a service requirement on medical graduates. Some stakeholders could argue that the bill places undue burdens on individuals who may wish to practice in other states or countries for personal or professional reasons. Opponents may also raise concerns about the specifics of enforcement and the financial implications for graduates who do not meet the service requirement, particularly regarding the repayment clause for the difference between resident and nonresident tuition fees. Overall, while the intent is to bolster the healthcare workforce, the details of implementation and the opt-out provisions for students could become contentious points in discussions.