HI SB970

Allows physicians licensed in Hawaii to establish a physician-patient relationship with patients via telehealth interactions, removing the previous prohibition on initial telehealth consultations.

Eliminates the requirement that patients must be referred by another health care provider who conducted an in-person consultation before using telehealth.

Permits patients and physicians licensed in Hawaii to use telehealth for any authorized purpose once a physician-patient relationship is established, including consultations with providers licensed in other states.

Takes effect on July 1, 2021.