S.B. 2653 Summary

• Establishes a licensure by endorsement process for physicians, surgeons, and osteopathic physicians to practice in Hawaii, effective December 31, 2018.

• Requires applicants to hold a current, unencumbered, active license in another jurisdiction with qualifications substantially equivalent to or greater than Hawaii's requirements under section 453-4.

• Requires applicants to demonstrate at least two years of active medical practice in another jurisdiction within the immediately preceding five years.

• Allows the medical board to require applicants to pass the Special Purpose Examination (SPEX) or Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Variable-Purpose Examination–USA (COMVEX-USA) to assess competency.

• Appropriates $104,000 from the compliance resolution fund to the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs for fiscal year 2018-2019 to implement the Act, with authority to hire necessary personnel outside civil service requirements.