Healthcare (Medical Licensing)

introduced · Hawaii · Senate Jul 16, 2026

GM 1370: Informing the Legislature that on July 16, 2026, the following bill became law without the Governor's signature: SB847 SD2 HD2 CD1 (Act 266).

This bill establishes a three-year pilot program allowing qualified clinical psychologists to prescribe specific psychotropic medications under the supervision of a physician or psychiatrist. The program is limited to treating patients between the ages of 18 and 65 at federally qualified health centers located in Kauai and Hawaii counties. The legislation aims to improve access to mental health care in these areas by expanding the scope of practice for psychologists who have completed specialized training in psychopharmacology.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill expands access to mental health care by allowing psychologists to prescribe medication in underserved areas.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Healthcare Workforce Medical Licensing Mental Health

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passed · Hawaii · House Mar 23, 2026

HB 1889: RELATING TO SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGISTS.

Creates a School Psychologists Working Group within the Department of Education to recommend actionable steps or propose legislation for an immediate pathway to licensure for school psychologists that can be acted upon in 2027. Requires a report to the Legislature. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationCreates Working Group to streamline school psychologist licensure, enhancing mental health support services in K-12 schools.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareCreates licensure pathway for school psychologists, supporting mental health access in schools via future legislative action.80% confidence

Sub-Topics Student Health Medical Licensing Mental Health

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in committee · Hawaii · House Jan 30, 2026

HB 2285: RELATING TO THE NURSE LICENSURE COMPACT.

Allows the Governor to enter the State into the multistate Nurse Licensure Compact, which will allow a nurse who is licensed by a home state to practice under a multistate licensure privilege in each party state, effective 1/1/2027. Beginning 1/1/2027, allows the State Board of Nursing to charge different fees for registered nurses and licensed practical nurses who hold a multistate license issued by the State. Appropriates general revenues.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareEnables cross-state nurse practice under Nurse Licensure Compact, expanding healthcare access and workforce mobility for registered and licensed practical nurses.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Healthcare Workforce Medical Licensing

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in committee · Hawaii · House Dec 8, 2025

HB 617: RELATING TO NURSING.

HB 617 appropriates state funds to establish a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program at the University of Hawaii Maui College, effective July 1, 3000. The bill directly affects UH Maui College students and nursing education in Maui County by creating a new academic pathway for nursing degrees. Its key provision is the allocation of dedicated state funding to develop and operate this specific degree program. The bill does not alter existing nursing regulations or licensure requirements, focusing solely on program establishment through state appropriations.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationAllocates state funds for a new BSN program at UH Maui College, directly expanding higher education access and funding for nursing education.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareFunds BSN program at UH Maui College, directly supporting nursing workforce development and healthcare education through state appropriation.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education Medical Licensing

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in committee · Hawaii · House Feb 18, 2026

HB 2508: RELATING TO AIR MEDICAL SERVICES.

Establishes the Statewide Air Medical Services Program within the Department of Health, Emergency Medical Services and Injury Prevention Systems Branch to coordinate and strengthen air medical services. Establishes an air medical director, an air medical program manager, and an air medical coordinator. Specifies that annual licensure and accreditation fees are to be deposited into the Emergency Medical Services Special Fund for costs of the program. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareEstablishes statewide air medical program with dedicated funding to strengthen emergency medical services coordination and infrastructure.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Medical Licensing

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in committee · Hawaii · House Jan 30, 2026

HB 2286: RELATING TO THE PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT LICENSURE COMPACT.

Authorizes the Governor to enter the PA Licensure Compact to create a comprehensive process that complements the existing licensing authority of the state medical board and provides a streamlined process that allows a PA to become licensed in multiple states, thereby enhancing the portability of a PA license and ensuring the safety of patients.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareStreamlines PA licensure across states, enhancing provider portability and patient access to care. Ensures safety while expanding healthcare delivery options.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Medical Licensing

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in committee · Hawaii · Senate Dec 8, 2025

SB 1579: RELATING TO PHARMACISTS.

Mandates reimbursement for services provided by participating registered pharmacists practicing within their scope of practice by private and public health plans in the State after 7/1/2026.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates insurance reimbursement for pharmacists' services, expanding patient access to care and strengthening coverage under health plans.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Healthcare Workforce Medical Licensing Public Health

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signed · Hawaii · Senate Jul 10, 2026

SB 2271: RELATING TO HOSPITAL LICENSING.

Requires the Department of Health to adopt rules to allow hospitals to demonstrate compliance with all licensing inspections required by the State through accreditation or certification by any accreditation or certification organization approved by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. (CD1)

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareStreamlines hospital licensing compliance via CMS-recognized accreditations, reducing administrative burden without restricting care access or funding.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Hospitals Medicaid Medical Licensing

passed · Hawaii · Senate Feb 20, 2026

SB 3192: RELATING TO EMERGENCY HEALTHCARE LICENSURE WAIVERS.

SB 3192 allows state authorities to temporarily waive certain healthcare worker licensure requirements during declared emergencies, directly affecting medical professionals needing to practice across jurisdictions. The bill enables quicker deployment of licensed healthcare workers during crises like natural disasters or public health events by removing standard licensing barriers. It requires the state to submit an annual report to the legislature detailing how the waivers were used and their impact. This policy change aims to improve emergency response capacity without altering permanent licensure standards.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRemoves licensure barriers for healthcare workers during emergencies, enabling faster deployment and improved patient access during crises like disasters.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Healthcare Workforce Medical Licensing Public Health

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in committee · Hawaii · Senate Feb 2, 2026

SB 2111: RELATING TO LICENSURE.

Requires marriage and family therapists, mental health counselors, psychologists, and clinical social workers to complete courses related to domestic violence for licensure and renewals.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates domestic violence training for mental health professionals, strengthening their ability to address patient needs in healthcare settings.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Medical Licensing Mental Health

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