Update on House Bill 935 - Modernize PA Practice

Posted about 5 years ago by Christina Starks

Dear PA friends and supporters,

MAHALO to all for your support testimony of HB 935. It paid off!

The committees on Health and committees on Intrastate Commerce recommend that measure HB 935 be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. There were 12 Ayes, 2 Ayes with reservations, 0 Noes, and 3 representatives excused from attendance.

Testimony can be viewed at this link https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/Session2019/Testimony/HB935_TESTIMONY_HLT-IAC_02-05-19_.PDF

Amendments offered pertained to collaborative agreement and authority to sign documents (paraphrased):

A physician practice or facility [may] shall establish terms of an agreement of collaboration to define the manner and degree of collaboration that is appropriate in rendering patient care at the practice level or facility level.
A physician assistant … [shall] may have the authority to sign the following documents:

DCCA/Hawaii Medical Board and Hawaii Medical Association – opposed.

HAPA will work with DCAA/Hawaii Medical Board and attend Feb. 14th Board meeting.

HAPA will work with HMA to iron out concerns.

NEXT STEP:

We are waiting for the next committee hearing with Consumer Protection and Commerce (CCP). It has not been scheduled yet. The committee members are below. I could use all the help possible educating our legislators about the PA profession. PAs please write your Representative about our profession, this bill, the desperate need to update PA practice laws and what it would mean to Hawaii’s healthcare. Below you will find the members of the CCP committee. To find your legistlator go to: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/

House Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce:

Roy M. Takumi, Chair	reptakumi@capitol.hawaii.gov	Pearl City, Waimalu, Pacific Palisades
Linda Ichiyama, Vice Chair	repichiyama@capitol.hawaii.gov	Moanalua Valley, Salt Lake, Aliamanu
Henry J.C. Aquino	repaquino@capitol.hawaii.gov	Waipahu
Della Au Belatti	repbelatti@capitol.hawaii.gov	Makiki, Tantalus, Papakolea, McCully, Pawaa, Manoa
Rida Cabanilla Arakawa	repcabanilla@capitol.hawaii.gov	Ewa, Ewa Beach, Ewa Gentry, Ewa Villages, Hoakalei
Romy M. Cachola	repcachola@capitol.hawaii.gov	Kalihi Kai, Sand Island, Hickham, Pearl Harbor, Ford Island, Halawa Valley Estate
Sharon E. Har	rephar@capitol.hawaii.gov	Kapolei, Makakilo
Sam Satoru Kong	repkong@capitol.hawaii.gov	Aiea
John M. Mizuno	repmizuno@capitol.hawaii.gov	Kalihi Valley, Kamehameha Hts, Lower Kalihi
Richard H.K. Onishi	reponishi@capitol.hawaii.gov	Hilo, Keaau, Kurtistown, Volcano
Lauren Matsumoto	repmatsumoto@capitol.hawaii.gov	Schofield, Mokuleia, Waialua, Kunia, Waipio Acres, Mililani

I love all your comments and feedback. Thank you for your emails. You all are keeping me motivated during this arduous process.

Stay tuned for the next request for testimony!

Mahalo nui loa,

Christina