HI HB597

Expands the definition of "quality assurance committee" under Hawaii Revised Statutes section 624-25.5 to include interdisciplinary committees composed of representatives from multiple health care organizations.

Allows committees with members from hospitals, nursing homes, home care agencies, hospices, health maintenance organizations, preferred provider organizations, and other authorized state agencies to receive the same peer review protections as single-facility committees.

Extends legal protections from discovery and use in medical malpractice lawsuits to multi-organizational quality assurance committees, encouraging full discussion of medical cases without fear of litigation.

Maintains the original purpose of quality assurance committees: to monitor patient care, identify and correct deficiencies in health care delivery, reduce patient harm, and improve overall quality of care.

Takes effect upon approval.