STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3442

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: H.B. No. 1758

H.D. 2

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2022

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committees on Health and Commerce and Consumer Protection, to which was referred H.B. No. 1758, H.D. 2, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO NURSES,"

beg leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to allow temporary permits to be issued to registered nurses and licensed practical nurses from a territory or foreign country who are seeking a state license by endorsement.

Your Committees received testimony in support of this measure from East Hawaii Region of the Hawaii Health Systems Corporation, Hawaii Medical Service Association, Hawai‘i Pacific Health, Hawai‘i Primary Care Association, Healthcare Association of Hawaii, Hawai‘i Coalition for Immigrant Rights, Hawai‘i Friends of Civil Rights, Hawai‘i Coalition for Immigrant Rights, The Legal Clinic, and three individuals. Your Committees received testimony in opposition to this measure from one individual. Your Committees received comments on this measure from the Board of Nursing, Hawai‘i State Center for Nursing, and The Queen's Health Systems.

Your Committees find that there is a severe nursing shortage in the State that has been exacerbated by the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. During the pandemic, many nurses were recruited to relocate to the State; however, because of the time required to provide the nurses with necessary permitting, they were left waiting for authorization to work instead of treating patients. Making it possible for qualified nurses from another territory or foreign country to be eligible for a temporary permit would create a pathway for more nurses to enter the workforce quickly. This process may encourage nurses from another state, territory, or foreign country to relocate to Hawaii. Therefore, this measure expands application for licensure by endorsement to include registered nurses and licensed practical nurses from a territory or foreign jurisdiction.

Your Committees have amended this measure by:

(1) Making it effective upon its approval; and

(2) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity and consistency.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Health and Commerce and Consumer Protection that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1758, H.D. 2, as amended herein, and recommend that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 1758, H.D. 2, S.D. 1, and be referred to your Committees on Judiciary and Ways and Means.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on Health and Commerce and Consumer Protection,

________________________________ ROSALYN H. BAKER, Chair

________________________________ JARRETT KEOHOKALOLE, Chair