Relating To The Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Compact.
If adopted, the compact could allow APRNs licensed in participating states to practice in Hawaii without needing additional licensure. This can significantly impact state healthcare delivery, particularly in addressing nurse shortages and boosting the efficiency of care for residents. The working group's findings will be crucial in determining how best to integrate such a compact into existing state laws governing nurse practice and licensure.
Senate Bill 321 establishes a working group tasked with studying the feasibility and potential effects of Hawaii adopting the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Compact. This compact is an agreement that facilitates the practice of advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) across state lines, thereby potentially enhancing healthcare access and continuity in Hawaii. The bill outlines key components that the working group will examine, such as the beneficial impacts, implementation logistics, administration, and economic viability of adopting the compact.
Notably, while the proposed legislation aims at enhancing workforce flexibility, there holds potential contention regarding the implications for local nursing regulations and educational standards. Stakeholders may have varied opinions on whether the compact might dilute state nursing standards or if it would enhance collaborative practices among states. The working group's report, due prior to the 2024 legislative session, is expected to outline these concerns along with recommendations, which will further dictate the bill's future trajectory.