HI HR208

Request the Hawaii State Center for Nursing to convene a working group to study the potential impacts of Hawaii joining the multi-state Nurse Licensure Compact.

Working group membership to include the Director of the Hawaii State Center for Nursing (as chair), Director of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, State Board of Nursing representative, health and consumer protection committee chairs from both House and Senate, and representatives from Hawaii-American Nurses Association, Hawaii Association of Health Plans, Hawaii Government Employees Association, and Healthcare Association of Hawaii.

Working group to investigate feasibility and impacts including effects on in- and out-migration of registered nurses, regulation of out-of-state nurses, disciplinary actions, workforce planning, licensure requirement disparities, regulatory oversight, and fiscal impacts to the State.

Working group to submit findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than 20 days before the 2025 Regular Session convenes.

Background: Hawaii has 15,072 licensed registered nurses with approximately 1,000 unfilled positions; 39 states currently participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact; 16 percent of Hawaii's registered nurses plan to retire within five years.