STRONGLY SUPPORTING AND RECOMMENDING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE REVISED 2025 HAWAII PATIENT BILL OF RIGHTS.

This House Resolution (HR 194) strongly supports and recommends implementing the Revised 2025 Hawaii Patient Bill of Rights, which would modernize patient protections for all Hawaii residents covered by health insurance. It proposes key changes including requiring insurers to provide clear, translated explanations of coverage; maintain up-to-date provider directories with telehealth availability; ensure timely specialist referrals; prevent denial of emergency care based on retrospective review; and establish simpler appeals processes with online tools and hotlines. The resolution specifically addresses current issues like AI-driven coverage denials, provider shortages (affecting 35% of Hawaii's population in shortage areas), and network adequacy in rural communities. It does not create new law but urges adoption of these patient-focused provisions to improve transparency, access, and data security in Hawaii's healthcare system.