HI HR126

Urges the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs to revise Hawaii Administrative Rules Title 16, Chapter 89 to prohibit registered nurses from delegating interpretation of diagnostic laboratory results to unlicensed assistive personnel.

Cites medical research showing 12 million Americans are affected annually by diagnostic errors, with 40,000 to 80,000 deaths from complications, and notes that 62 percent of laboratory results are overlooked by healthcare providers.

Notes that the National Council of State Boards of Nursing guidelines confirm licensed nurses cannot delegate nursing judgment or activities requiring critical decision making.

States that interpretation of diagnostic laboratory results requires assessment, evaluation, and judgment that should remain with licensed medical professionals to ensure patient safety and accountability.

Requires certified copies of the resolution be transmitted to the Governor and Director of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.