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GM 1263

Informing the Legislature that on June 3, 2025, the Governor signed the following bill into law: SB1365 HD1 CD1 (ACT 163).

2025 Regular Session

Act 163 allows Hawaii's Medical Board to conduct criminal history checks for physician licensure, streamlining interstate licensing and improving healthcare access.

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Bill Summary · GM 1263

Summary of GM 1263 - Proclamation Relating to Act 163

Bill Overview

Bill Number: GM 1263
Title: Informing the Legislature that on June 3, 2025, the Governor signed the following bill into law: SB1365 HD1 CD1 (ACT 163).
Status: Received
Introduced: June 03, 2025
Classification: Proclamation
Subject: Act 163

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of GM 1263 is to formally inform the Hawaii State Legislature that the Governor, Josh Green, M.D., has signed into law Senate Bill 1365 (SB1365), which is designated as Act 163. This act is significant as it authorizes the Hawaii Medical Board to conduct criminal history record checks. This measure is essential for Hawaii to fully participate in the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC), allowing for streamlined licensing of physicians across state lines.

Key Provisions

  • Authorization for Criminal History Checks: The act allows the Hawaii Medical Board to perform criminal history record checks on applicants for medical licensure. This is a requirement for compliance with the IMLC, which facilitates the licensing of physicians in multiple states.
  • Amendment to Hawaii Revised Statutes: The bill amends Section 846-2.7 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes to include provisions for criminal history checks specifically for applicants seeking licensure under the IMLC.

Specific Changes to Statutes

  • The amendment expands the list of entities authorized to conduct criminal history checks, including:
    • The Department of Health for various healthcare-related positions.
    • The Department of Education for school employees.
    • The Department of Human Services for child care and youth services.

These changes ensure that the Hawaii Medical Board can meet the necessary requirements to act as a "state of principal license" within the IMLC framework.

Impact

  • Physicians in Hawaii: The act directly affects physicians licensed in Hawaii who wish to participate in the IMLC. It simplifies the process for these physicians to obtain licenses in other states, thereby enhancing their ability to practice across state lines.
  • Healthcare System: By facilitating easier access to licensure, the act aims to improve the availability of medical professionals in Hawaii, potentially addressing physician shortages and enhancing healthcare delivery.

Procedural Aspects

  • Date of Signing: The bill was signed into law by the Governor on June 3, 2025.
  • Legislative Action: The proclamation was received by the legislature on the same day, marking the formal acknowledgment of the law's enactment.

Conclusion

GM 1263 serves as an important legislative proclamation that highlights Hawaii's commitment to enhancing its medical licensing processes through participation in the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact. By enabling criminal history checks, the state aims to streamline the licensure process for physicians, ultimately benefiting the healthcare system and the residents of Hawaii.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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