Healthcare

Authorizes the Department of Health to accept accreditation or certification from an accreditation organization or a certification organization approved by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services as demonstration that a licensed home health agency is in compliance with all licensing inspections required by the State. Specifies conditions under which a home health agency may be exempt from a licensing inspection on a continuing basis throughout the accreditation or certification period. Requires information obtained in reports of survey and accreditation or certification letters to be public information. (CD1)

HB 598 prohibits insurance companies from requiring patients to pay copays, deductibles, or other cost-sharing for diagnostic and supplemental breast exams ordered by doctors to investigate concerns or monitor conditions. This directly affects patients needing these specific exams, such as follow-up tests after abnormal mammograms. The bill mandates that insurers cover these exams fully without patient cost-sharing, applying only to diagnostic and supplemental procedures - not routine screenings. It represents a policy change to reduce financial barriers for medically necessary breast examinations.

Requires utilization review entities to submit data relating to the prior authorization of health care services to the State Health Planning and Development Agency. Establishes the Health Care Appropriateness and Necessity Working Group within the State Health Planning and Development Agency. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

HCR 4 is a symbolic resolution urging Hawaii's Governor to protect transgender members of the Hawaii National Guard from federal policies that bar transgender service members. It references Executive Order 14163, which prohibits transgender individuals from serving in the military and halts gender-affirming care for active-duty personnel. The resolution does not change laws or policies but formally requests the Governor take action to allow qualified transgender service members to continue serving. It directly affects transgender Hawaii National Guard members facing potential discharge under federal policy.

Beginning 1/1/2027, prohibits the application of restricted use pesticides within a half-mile radius of elderly health care facilities, with certain exemptions. (SD1)

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.

HB 1107 appropriates funds to the Department of Health to expand access to emergency air medical services. The bill directly affects residents in rural or remote areas who rely on air ambulances for urgent medical transport. Its key provision is allocating state funding to increase the availability and reach of these services. The bill is currently pending introduction and referral to relevant committees for further consideration.

Establish a medical education liaison position within the University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine to support programs that utilize a team of medical specialists to support primary care providers and other health care professionals through mentorship and guidance. Appropriates funds.

Allows the Governor to enter the State into the multistate Nurse Licensure Compact, which will allow a nurse who is licensed by a home state to practice under a multistate licensure privilege in each party state, effective 1/1/2027. Beginning 1/1/2027, allows the State Board of Nursing to charge different fees for registered nurses and licensed practical nurses who hold a multistate license issued by the State. Appropriates general revenues.

SB 2701 appropriates state funds to plan, design, and build a new outpatient care center in North Kona, Hawaii. The bill directly affects residents in the West Hawaii region by providing resources for expanded local healthcare services. Key provisions include funding for site work, construction, and facility planning to support outpatient care needs. This is a funding measure, not a policy change, and does not alter existing healthcare laws or regulations. The bill passed committee recommendation on February 2, 2026, with all five committee members voting in favor.