REQUESTING THE DISABILITY AND COMMUNICATION ACCESS BOARD TO STUDY THE HEALTH CARE SETTING COMMUNICATION NEEDS OF, AND DEVELOP GUIDELINES FOR, INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE DEAF, HARD OF HEARING, OR DEAF-BLIND.

This House Resolution asks Hawaii's Disability and Communication Access Board to study how deaf, hard of hearing, and deaf-blind individuals communicate in healthcare settings and to develop updated guidelines for providers. The study will examine interpreter availability, patient preferences, special needs in hospitals and nursing facilities, and legal obligations for effective communication. Based on the findings, the Board will revise current guidance and submit a report with recommendations to the Legislature by early 2027. The resolution directs copies to the Director of Health and Board members to ensure healthcare facilities better serve patients with hearing and vision disabilities.