Hawaii Senate Bill SR118

Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/10/23
• Refer: 3/15/23
• Report Pass: 4/4/23
• Passed: 4/5/23

Caption

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.

Impact

Adopting the NLC would allow nurses licensed in one participating state to practice in other member states without requiring additional licenses. This would not only facilitate the provision of care across state lines during emergencies but also assist nurses who are military spouses in continuing their practice without repetitive licensing when relocating. Such changes can potentially address the shortage of healthcare professionals by allowing easier access to the nursing workforce from other states.

Summary

Senate Resolution 118 (SR118) calls for the Hawaii State Center for Nursing to form a working group to evaluate the implications of joining the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). This resolution comes in response to the increasing demand for registered nurses in the state and highlights the current nursing shortages affecting healthcare facilities in Hawaii. With many nursing positions unfilled and significant retirements anticipated, the resolution aims to explore potential solutions for these workforce challenges.

Contention

While the resolution proposes a beneficial measure for the nursing workforce, it also raises questions about regulation and oversight of nursing practices. Concerns have been voiced regarding how the NLC might influence the standards and quality of nursing care delivered in Hawaii. The working group's study is expected to assess various impacts, including fiscal responsibilities of the state and the regulation of out-of-state nurses, which could lead to debates on the right balance between accommodating nursing mobility and maintaining local control over healthcare standards.