Proposed Testimony: HB302- APRN Disability Designation & Advanced Mental Health Directives

Written Testimony Presented Before the

House Committee on Health, Human Services, and Homelessness 

Hearing: February 9, 2021, 9:30 AM

Via Videoconference 

By Hawaiʻi – American Nurses Association (Hawaii-ANA)

Chair Ryan I. Yamane, Vice Chair Adrian K. Tam, and members of the House Committee on Health, Human Services, and Homelessness, thank you for this opportunity to provide testimony in strong support of HB302. 

This measure authorizes Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) to certify a person as totally disabled under the income tax code.  This measure improves on equitable access to care for consumers in Hawai’i who seek such designation. 

In addition, APRNs are added as primary care providers to determine capacity for advance mental health care directives, in keeping with current recognition of APRNs who practice independently based on their practice specialty including psychiatric mental health.  

Hawai’i-ANA recognizes and supports this opportunity to remove barriers from the practice of APRNs within their authorized scope of practice. APRNs have global signature authority pursuant to HRS Chapter 457-8.8.  We agree with the Hawaiʻi Board of Nursing’s on-going support for recognizing the broad scope of practice underpinned by education, clinical training, and experience, afforded to APRNs within each specialty recognized in HRS Chapter 457. 

Hawaiʻi-ANA respectfully requests that HB302 be passed through this committee. Thank you for your continued support for measures that address the need for improving access to safe and effective healthcare provided by all primary healthcare providers in communities throughout Hawaiʻi.