Informing the Legislature that on June 27, 2024, the Governor signed the following bill into law: SB2529 SD1 HD1 CD1 (ACT 098).

This bill amends Hawaii law to allow licensed physicians, physician assistants, and advanced practice registered nurses to sign Provider Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) forms without requiring a face-to-face examination of the patient. The change directly affects patients with serious or life-limiting illnesses, particularly those in hospice care, by removing a barrier that previously delayed the creation of these critical medical orders. By clarifying that the "examination" requirement does not mandate an in-person meeting, the legislation aims to ensure that vulnerable patients can receive their care preferences documented promptly. This update aligns state regulations with Medicare guidelines, which do not require a face-to-face encounter for hospice patients within their first six months of care.