HI HB1857

Establishes a standardized definition of "qualified health care provider" as any person with a current, active license or certification under Hawaii Revised Statutes titles 19 (health) or 25 (professions and vocations) whose scope of practice authorizes them to provide relevant health care services.

Replaces outdated and inconsistent terminology throughout Hawaii law, substituting specific references to "physician," "physician assistant," "advanced practice registered nurse," and similar terms with the broader "qualified health care provider" designation.

Amends numerous statutory chapters including those related to health, education, insurance, elections, firearms, taxation, traffic laws, and the Penal Code to incorporate the new standardized definition.

Addresses findings from the Hawaii State Center for Nursing's Healthcare Provider Barriers to Practice Law Review Task Group (2022-2024), which identified widespread inconsistencies in health care provider terminology that prevented licensed providers from practicing within their authorized scope.

Repeals the obsolete Hawaii Health Corps program as part of the statutory cleanup efforts.