HI HB1463

Adds new section to Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 671 exempting licensed healthcare providers from civil liability for patient injuries or worsening health conditions that occur while awaiting insurer preauthorization for medical services.

Defines prior approval (precertification or preauthorization) as health insurer requirements that certain physician-ordered treatments must be approved in advance before reimbursement is provided.

Recognizes that preauthorization processes may hamper healthcare providers' ability to deliver necessary treatments and may contribute to Hawaii's doctor shortage.

Applies liability exemption only to injuries or health condition exacerbation occurring during the authorization waiting period, not to provider negligence or other causes.

Takes effect upon approval with no retroactive application to rights, penalties, or proceedings that existed before the effective date.