S.B. 2445 Summary

• Expands the scope of practice for physician assistants in Hawaii to address physician shortages and improve access to healthcare, particularly in rural and underserved areas

• Authorizes physician assistants to issue disability parking permits, certify temporary disability insurance needs, and sign provider orders for life-sustaining treatment (POLST) forms alongside physicians and advanced practice registered nurses

• Permits physician assistants to sign occupational therapy orders and plans of care, and allows them to certify gender transition documentation for birth certificate amendments

• Authorizes physician assistants to certify deaths and fetal deaths, issue disability parking certificates, and participate in pharmacy collaborative agreements for drug therapy management

• Takes effect January 1, 2023; maintains requirement that physician assistants operate under physician supervision and does not authorize independent practice