SB 668 Summary

• Authorizes Hawaii's Governor to enter into the Physical Therapy Licensure Compact, allowing physical therapists licensed in other member states to practice in Hawaii under a "compact privilege" without obtaining a separate Hawaii license.

• Establishes the Physical Therapy Compact Commission as a multi-state administrative body with powers to develop uniform rules, maintain a data system tracking licensees and adverse actions, and oversee interstate regulatory coordination.

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

• Authorizes the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs to conduct criminal background checks on physical therapy applicants and to adopt administrative rules implementing the Compact.

• Effective date is December 31, 2050.