SB 668 Summary

• Authorizes Hawaii's Governor to enter the multi-state Physical Therapy Licensure Compact, allowing physical therapists and assistants licensed in one member state to practice in other member states under a "compact privilege."

• Establishes the Physical Therapy Compact Commission as a national administrative body with powers to create rules, maintain a data system for licensure and adverse action information, and oversee member state compliance.

• Requires physical therapist and assistant license applicants to submit electronic fingerprints for federal and state criminal background checks beginning July 1, 2023, with applicants bearing the cost.

• Mandates the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs adopt rules to implement the compact and grants authority to conduct criminal background checks on physical therapy license applicants.

• Takes effect December 31, 2050, with criminal background check provisions effective immediately.