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GM 1274

Informing the Legislature that on June 4, 2025, the Governor signed the following bill into law: HB1379 HD2 SD1 (ACT 174).

2025 Regular Session

Act 174 streamlines licensure for foreign medical graduates in Hawaii, boosting the healthcare workforce and improving access to services for residents.

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Bill Summary · GM 1274

Summary of Bill GM 1274

Bill Number: GM 1274
Title: Informing the Legislature that on June 4, 2025, the Governor signed the following bill into law: HB1379 HD2 SD1 (ACT 174).
Status: Received
Introduced: June 04, 2025
Classification: Proclamation
Subject: Act 174

Purpose and Intent

Bill GM 1274 serves as a formal notification to the Hawaii State Legislature that the Governor, Josh Green, M.D., has signed into law House Bill 1379 (HB 1379), which is now designated as Act 174. The primary focus of Act 174 is to amend existing statutes related to the licensing of foreign medical graduates in Hawaii.

Key Provisions

The bill amends Section 453-4.5 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes, which outlines the qualifications for foreign medical graduates seeking licensure in Hawaii. The key changes include:

  1. Examination Requirements:

    • Foreign medical graduates must pass either the Federation Licensing Examination (FLEX) or the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE), or a combination of these, with scores deemed satisfactory by the Hawaii Medical Board.

  2. Training and Experience:

    • Graduates must have completed at least three years of medical training or experience in a hospital approved by the Council on Medical Education and Hospitals of the American Medical Association.
    • Alternatively, they may possess an Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) certificate and have successfully completed two years of post-graduate medical training in an accredited program.

  3. Subspecialty Training:

    • If the post-graduate training involves a subspecialty clinical fellowship, the board may accept training from accredited hospitals that meet specific standards.

  4. Repeal and Addition of Statutory Material:

    • Certain outdated statutory materials are repealed, and new provisions are underscored to clarify the updated requirements.

Impact

The changes introduced by Act 174 are expected to:

  • Facilitate the Licensing Process: Streamline the process for foreign medical graduates to obtain licensure in Hawaii, potentially increasing the number of qualified healthcare professionals in the state.
  • Enhance Healthcare Access: By allowing more foreign-trained doctors to practice, the bill aims to improve access to healthcare services for residents, particularly in underserved areas.

Procedural Aspects

  • Approval Date: The bill was signed into law on June 4, 2025.
  • Legislative Journey: HB 1379 passed through both the House and Senate of the Thirty-Third Legislature prior to receiving the Governor's approval.

Conclusion

Bill GM 1274 serves as an important legislative proclamation that highlights the enactment of Act 174, which modifies the licensure requirements for foreign medical graduates in Hawaii. This legislative change aims to enhance the healthcare workforce in the state, ultimately benefiting the community by improving access to medical services.

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

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