Healthcare

Authorizes registered nurses and qualified paramedics licensed by the State to administer medication as part of an assisted community treatment order's treatment plan to the subject of the order, under certain circumstances.

Expands the protections established under Act 2, SLH 2023, to include gender-affirming health care services. Clarifies jurisdiction under the Uniform Child-Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act for cases involving children who obtain gender-affirming health care services. Effective 12/31/2050. (SD1)

Provides that after 12/31/2025, each new or renewed contract between a mutual benefit society and a physician for a fee for service plan shall provide for: (1) The reimbursement of the physician's increased overhead costs, cost of living increases, and increased costs caused by inflation; and (2) An increase of 10% in the reimbursement rate of services after each 5-year period that the physician is in service.

Requires the State Council on Mental Health to include an unspecified number of members with demonstrated knowledge of or work experience involving native Hawaiian health practices. Requires council members to receive annual training on topics related to native Hawaiian healing and health.

Requires each hospital to establish a Hospital Registered Nurse Staffing Committee by 9/1/2026. Requires the Staffing Committee to adopt and file a Staffing Committee Charter with the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations by 1/1/2027. Requires the Department to develop a Hospital Registered Nurse Staffing Plan Form by 1/1/2027. Requires each Staffing Committee to adopt and file a Staffing Plan, including minimum registered nurse staffing standards, with the Department by 7/1/2027, and annually thereafter. Requires hospitals to implement their Staffing Plan by 7/1/2027, and post the Staffing Plan and staffing schedules in publicly accessible areas. Requires Staffing Committees to receive, review, evaluate, and respond to reports and complaints regarding deviations from the Staffing Plan. Establishes a variance process allowing hospitals to temporarily deviate from their minimum registered nurse staffing standards. Establishes an enforcement framework to be administered by the Department, including review of Staffing Plans, complaint investigations, administrative appeals, and civil penalties for violations. Prohibits retaliation against certain persons who report staffing concerns or participate in enforcement proceedings. Increases the membership of the Center for Nursing Advisory Board to include three elected officers or governing board members of a labor organization representing registered nurses in the State. Requires the Center for Nursing to develop and maintain an online dashboard of staffing standards recommended by certain professional specialty organizations. Requires the Department to adopt rules. Appropriates funds.

By 1/1/2029, requires the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations to establish a family and medical leave insurance program and begin collecting payroll contributions to finance payment of benefits. By 1/1/2030, requires the Department to begin receiving claims and paying benefits under the program. Specifies eligibility requirements and employee protections under the program. Excludes paid family and medical leave benefits from income tax. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Appropriates funds to the Department of Health to purchase one advanced life support ambulance and related equipment to be based in the Central Maui area of the County of Maui and fund pay-related personnel costs for state-certified emergency medical services personnel. (CD1)

Establishes notice requirements for employers under Hawaii's Workers' Compensation Law. Requires employers who deny the compensability of an employee's injury to submit a written report supporting the denial to the Director of Labor and Industrial Relations within a specified period. Requires employers to furnish to the injured employee up to $10,000 for medical care, services, and supplies for the period immediately following the injury and so long as reasonably needed or until the employer files a written report with the Director denying the compensability of the injury, whichever is earlier. Clarifies that failure to give an employer notice of an employee's injury does not bar a claim for compensation if any person having authority in the interest of the employer had knowledge of the injury.

Authorizes licensed paramedics to administer buprenorphine after administration of an opioid antagonist in cases of opioid overdoses, under certain conditions. Requires the Department of Health to implement a phased pilot program in at least 1 county with verified linkage-to-care capacity and authorizes expansion of the program statewide as additional treatment resources become available. Requires a report to the Legislature evaluating program outcomes.

HCR 8 is a concurrent resolution urging Hawaiian counties to approve building permits for home safety modifications within 45 days of receiving a complete application. It specifically targets modifications (like ramps or grab bars) recommended by a healthcare provider for older adults (62+) or people with disabilities, when the county deems them essential for safety or health. The resolution does not create new law but seeks to reduce delays that contribute to fall risks and hospitalizations, emphasizing counties must act on complete applications within the 45-day timeframe.