HI HB540

Amends Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 127A-9 to add new subsection (b) granting health care providers immunity from civil and criminal liability during declared states of emergency, except for cases of willful misconduct, gross negligence, or recklessness.

Health care providers qualify for immunity when they act in good faith during a governor-declared state of emergency or mayor-declared local state of emergency, adhere to crisis standards of care approved by the Department of Health, and provide emergent care directly related to the declared emergency.

Defines "health care provider" as physicians, osteopathic physicians, surgeons, physician assistants, podiatrists, health care facilities, and their employees, excluding religious healing institutions.

Defines "crisis standards of care" as substantial changes in usual health care operations made necessary by pervasive or catastrophic disasters such as pandemics, earthquakes, or hurricanes, requiring formal government declaration.

Effective July 1, 2050.