Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SCR59

Introduced
3/12/26  
Refer
3/19/26  
Refer
4/1/26  
Report Pass
4/8/26  
Engrossed
4/9/26  
Refer
4/10/26  
Report Pass
4/17/26  
Refer
4/17/26  
Report Pass
4/24/26  

Caption

Requesting The Governor To Establish Procedures To Authorize Certain Health Care Professionals To Engage In The Practice Of Their Respective Professions In The State Without A Hawaii-issued License During A State Of Emergency.

Impact

The proposed procedures would facilitate the qualifications for health care professionals, including physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and mental health professionals, allowing them to practice temporarily in Hawaii during emergencies. It also aims to streamline the process of emergency licensure, as previous reliance on gubernatorial proclamations led to delays and complications in mobilizing needed expertise efficiently. By establishing clear guidelines, the resolution seeks to improve coordination with local and federal disaster response organizations.

Summary

SCR59 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution requesting the Governor of Hawaii to establish procedures allowing specific health care professionals to practice in the state without a Hawaii-issued license during a declared state of emergency. This resolution aims to address the state's challenges facing natural disasters and public health emergencies, which necessitate the rapid deployment of qualified health care workers. The bill recognizes Hawaii's unique geographic isolation and its limited health care workforce, particularly in rural areas, enhancing the ability to respond swiftly to crisis situations.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding SCR59 appears positive, with strong support for enhancing the state's disaster response capabilities and ensuring that critical health care services are available when needed most. Stakeholders appreciate the efforts to eliminate bureaucratic hurdles that might hinder timely medical assistance in emergencies. However, there may be underlying concerns about maintaining safety and quality of care, ensuring compliant professionals are both qualified and accountable during their practice.

Contention

A notable point of contention resides in the balance between facilitating quick responses and safeguarding the standards of health care practice. While supporters argue that enabling out-of-state professionals to practice during emergencies is crucial for timely assistance, critics may express apprehensions regarding potential risks of care standards slipping. Ensuring that the procedures do not dilute professional accountability and that unlicensed practice remains within the bounds of ethical and legal frameworks is likely to be a focal point in discussions as the resolution progresses through legislative processes.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

HI SCR225

Requesting The Governor To Increase Knowledge And Use Of Native Hawaiian Concepts And Practices On Health And Well-being In The State Council On Mental Health.

HI SCR92

Requesting The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs To Establish And Provide Legislative Engagement Forums To Educate And Empower The Native Hawaiian Community Regarding The Legislative Process.

HI SR200

Requesting The Governor To Increase Knowledge And Use Of Native Hawaiian Concepts And Practices On Health And Well-being In The State Council On Mental Health.

HI SCR110

Requesting The Hawaii State Energy Office To Conduct A Study Evaluating The Feasibility Of Establishing A Green Bonds Program In The State.

HI SR75

Requesting The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs To Establish And Provide Legislative Engagement Forums To Educate And Empower The Native Hawaiian Community Regarding The Legislative Process.

HI SCR161

Requesting The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs To Convene A Working Group To Examine And Consider The Transfer Of Native Hawaiian Burial Site Management Under Chapter 6e, Hawaii Revised Statutes, From The State Historic Preservation Division To The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs.

HI SCR198

Encouraging Hawaii Insurers And The Hawaii Property Insurance Association To Reduce Insurance Costs On Local Residents By Pursuing Subrogation Claims Against Polluters Who Knowingly Engaged In Misleading And Deceptive Practices Regarding The Connection Between Their Products And Climate Change.

HI SB299

Relating To Loan Repayment For Healthcare Professionals.

HI SR91

Requesting The Hawaii State Energy Office To Conduct A Study Evaluating The Feasibility Of Establishing A Green Bonds Program In The State.

HI HCR41

Requesting The Auditor To Conduct A Social And Financial Assessment Of Proposed Mandatory Health Insurance Coverage For Native Hawaiian Healing And Cultural Practices Offered Through Federally Qualified Health Centers Or Native Hawaiian Health Care Systems.

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