HI HCR136

Request the Legislative Reference Bureau to study Hawaii's physician workforce shortage by analyzing the Parker Immunity Doctrine and the feasibility of allowing collective negotiation between physicians and health insurers.

Address the documented shortage of 820 physicians statewide, with Hawaii's neighbor islands experiencing shortfalls ranging from 32% to 44%, compared to 16% on Oahu.

Examine how Hawaii's highly concentrated health insurance market—where one insurer controls 67% of the total market—contributes to low physician compensation and limits recruitment and retention.

Analyze the Parker Immunity Doctrine exemption to federal antitrust law that allows states to authorize anti-competitive actions when pursuing a clearly expressed state policy, referencing Alaska's 2009 statute permitting physician collective negotiations.

Require the Legislative Reference Bureau to submit findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the 2021 Regular Session convenes.