HI HB2552

During a declared state or local emergency, out-of-state healthcare professionals (physicians, nurses, pharmacists, EMS personnel, mental health counselors, and others) may practice in Hawaii without a Hawaii-issued license if they hold an active license in good standing elsewhere.

Qualifying professionals must have no history of license revocation or disciplinary action and must be affiliated with a government agency, hospital, healthcare facility, or recognized emergency organization such as the American Red Cross or FEMA.

Out-of-state practitioners may provide telehealth services without requiring prior in-person consultation or an existing patient relationship during emergencies.

The Department of Health must establish an online registry for credential verification, with professionals required to self-register within 24 hours of deployment and the department verifying credentials within 48 hours.

Authorization expires upon termination of the emergency declaration or 60 days after activation, whichever is sooner, and the Department of Health must submit annual reports to the legislature on program usage.