S.B. 620 Summary

• Authorizes advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) licensed under Hawaii Revised Statutes chapter 457 to certify whether a person is totally disabled for purposes of income tax exemptions, alongside physicians and osteopathic physicians.

• Allows APRNs to make capacity determinations for advance mental health care directives, requiring evaluation by the supervising health care provider (APRN or physician) plus one other physician, APRN, or licensed psychologist.

• Designates APRNs as eligible "primary providers" in advance mental health care directives, expanding their role beyond physicians in managing mental health care decisions.

• Grants immunity from criminal prosecution, civil liability, or professional disciplinary action to APRNs who make good faith capacity determinations in accordance with advance mental health care directive requirements.

• Takes effect July 1, 2050.