Healthcare

passed both · Hawaii · Senate Apr 29, 2026

SB 3199: RELATING TO MENTAL HEALTH.

Establishes the Mental Health Emerging Therapies Task Force within the University of Hawaii at Manoa John A. Burns School of Medicine to prepare the State for the integration of breakthrough therapies, expansion of pathways for clinical trials and clinical research, and development of policy recommendations for safe, ethical, and culturally informed implementation of emerging therapies. Requires reports to the Legislature. Sunsets 6/30/2028. Effective 1/30/2050. (HD1)

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareEstablishes Mental Health Emerging Therapies Task Force to integrate breakthrough therapies, expand clinical trials, and develop policy recommendations for safe implementation, advancing mental health services.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

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passed both · Hawaii · Senate Apr 28, 2026

SB 2090: RELATING TO CHILD CUSTODY.

SB 2090 allows licensed mental health counselors to serve as child custody evaluators, expanding the pool of qualified professionals who can assess children's needs in custody cases. This change directly affects families involved in child custody disputes where mental health evaluations are required. The bill removes previous restrictions that limited this role to certain licensed professionals, enabling counselors with appropriate training to participate. It does not alter custody laws or standards but broadens who can conduct these evaluations. The measure passed a committee recommendation with four supporting votes in January 2026.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExpands mental health professional access in custody evaluations, directly supporting mental health services by removing restrictions on licensed counselors.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

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passed both · Hawaii · House Apr 27, 2026

HCR 137: URGING AN IMMEDIATE AND PERMANENT CEASEFIRE AND AN END TO HOSTILITIES IN IRAN.

This bill requests that health maintenance organizations in Hawaii follow the state's Clean Claims Statute to pay medical claims within 30 days, or 15 days for electronic submissions. It aims to address delays in reimbursement that can harm healthcare providers and patients, particularly in rural and underserved communities. The resolution calls for greater oversight and accountability by state agencies to ensure timely payments and prevent financial distress among medical practices. It does not create new laws but formally asks HMOs to comply with existing requirements and directs copies to relevant state officials.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill ensures timely reimbursement for healthcare claims, protecting providers and patients from financial distress and improving healthcare access.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

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passed · Hawaii · Senate Apr 22, 2026

SCR 109: URGING THE INSURANCE COMMISSIONER TO STUDY THE POTENTIAL BENEFITS OF EXPANDING THE USE OF MAIL-ORDER PHARMACY IN THE STATE.

This Senate Concurrent Resolution urges the Hawaii Insurance Commissioner to conduct a study on the potential benefits of expanding mail-order pharmacy services in the state. The bill directly affects state officials and healthcare stakeholders by requesting an examination of how mail-order pharmacies could improve medication access, reduce costs, and support patients in rural areas or with mobility challenges. The study must analyze specific areas including patient adherence, cost savings, access for vulnerable populations, safety of shipping systems, emergency preparedness, and patient choice options. The Insurance Commissioner is required to submit findings and recommendations to the Legislature by twenty days before the start of the 2027 Regular Session.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill urges study on expanding mail-order pharmacy to improve medication access, reduce costs, and support patients in rural areas or with mobility challenges.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

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passed both · Hawaii · Senate Apr 22, 2026

SCR 75: URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO LEAD A COORDINATED INTERDEPARTMENTAL EFFORT TO REDUCE THE IMPACT OF FETAL ALCOHOL SPECTRUM DISORDERS IN THE STATE, INCLUDING DEVELOPMENT OF A PLAN FOR INTERAGENCY COLLABORATION TO ENSURE THE COORDINATION OF SUPPORT SERVICES.

This Senate Concurrent Resolution asks Hawaii's Department of Health to take the lead in coordinating care and support services for people with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders across the state. The bill directs the Department of Health to create a plan that brings together multiple state agencies, including health, human services, education, and the judiciary, to ensure families receive integrated support. It also requests efforts to raise public awareness, reduce stigma, and train healthcare and education professionals to better identify and manage these conditions. The Department of Health must consult with families and service providers and submit its coordination plan to the Legislature by early 2027.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill directs Department of Health to coordinate care and support services for individuals with FASD, improving patient access and integrating health services across state agencies.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

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passed both · Hawaii · House Apr 21, 2026

HB 1574: RELATING TO THE HEALTHCARE EDUCATION LOAN REPAYMENT PROGRAM.

Formally codifies the Healthcare Education Loan Repayment Program. Requires a participant in the Healthcare Education Loan Repayment Program who receives a new award on or after July 1, 2027, to remain and work in the State for a certain number of years based on the amount of financial assistance received. Effective 7/31/2055. (SD2)

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill incentivizes healthcare professionals to remain in-state via loan repayment tied to service duration, strengthening workforce retention and access to care.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

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passed both · Hawaii · Senate Apr 21, 2026

SB 2261: RELATING TO HEALTH.

Requires Huli Au Ola to conduct a study on physician and dentist recruitment and retention to be located on and serve the island of Molokai. Requires a report to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill appropriates funds for Huli Au Ola to study physician/dentist retention on Molokai, directly addressing healthcare workforce access to strengthen services.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

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passed both · Hawaii · Senate Apr 16, 2026

SB 709: RELATING TO MENTAL HEALTH.

Requires the Director of Law Enforcement to adopt rules establishing training and certification standards and procedures for crisis intervention officers. Requires the Department of Health to approve the content of such training. Clarifies the scope of treatment permitted under assisted community treatment orders. Requires the Department of the Attorney General to assist with the preparation, filing, and presentation of requests for a court order to provide treatment over a patient's objection. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires DOH to track mental health crisis data and coordinate assisted treatment, strengthening mental health service infrastructure and patient access.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

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passed both · Hawaii · Senate Apr 16, 2026

SB 3133: RELATING TO PREVENTIVE MEDICINE.

Specifies that no person is subject to liability for providing clinical preventive services in accordance with Department of Health recommendations. Requires health insurers, mutual benefit societies, health maintenance organizations, and plans issued by the Hawaii Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Fund to provide coverage for clinical preventive services. Authorizes the Department of Health to make recommendations relating to clinical preventive services and issue standing orders for medications and immunizations. Clarifies that, for child health supervision services coverage, the prevailing medical standards include recommendations by the Department of Health. Prohibits denial of coverage and prior authorization for clinical preventive services based on medical necessity. Specifies that a registered pharmacist may order a vaccine in accordance with the recommendations from the Department of Health. Exempts this measure from an Auditor impact assessment report. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD3)

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates insurance coverage without cost-sharing for preventive services, expanding access and strengthening public health initiatives through DOH recommendations.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

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passed both · Hawaii · Senate Apr 16, 2026

SB 2804: RELATING TO COMMERCE.

SB 2804 bars companies from acquiring or holding stocks or investments that reduce access to healthcare services or raise insurance premiums. It directly affects corporations and investment entities making such financial decisions. The key provision prohibits these specific stock holdings if they demonstrably harm healthcare affordability or availability. The bill aims to prevent corporate investment practices that negatively impact patients and insurance costs, without specifying enforcement details.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBars corporate investments harming healthcare access/affordability, directly advancing patient access and reducing insurance costs per bill's core provision.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

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