This bill directs the state to increase Medicaid funding for residential care services in community foster family homes and expanded adult residential care homes. The legislation appropriates $1.7 million for the 2026-2027 fiscal year to raise reimbursement rates to the "medium" level identified in a 2022 study, addressing previous funding gaps that hindered providers from offering employee benefits. The Department of Human Services must secure the maximum available federal matching funds and explore other private grants before spending the money. These changes are designed to help care providers operate sustainably and expand options for older Hawaiians who need long-term care closer to home.
This bill directs the Executive Office on Aging to create a detailed plan for studying how to pay for long-term care services in Hawaii. The study will examine various public and private financing options to determine which methods are feasible and cost-effective for the state's growing senior population. To carry out this work, the bill authorizes the office to hire the University of Hawaii to develop the study's framework and provides specific funding for these efforts. Ultimately, the legislation aims to gather data-driven insights before establishing a new long-term care financing program.
This bill formally notifies the Hawaii Legislature that Governor Josh Green signed HB2319 into law on May 27, 2026. The legislation amends state statutes to update the definition of health care and expand the responsibilities of the State Health Planning and Development Agency. Key changes include a broader definition of health care that explicitly covers oral, behavioral, and long-term care, as well as new duties for the agency to assess gaps in access, quality, and cost, including the use of artificial intelligence. The bill also mandates that the agency update the state health services and facilities plan at least every four years after consulting with relevant councils.
Clarifies that the monthly needs allowance afforded to individuals living in certain long-term care facilities is not intended to replace or affect funds received as a state supplemental payment for domiciliary care and shall be supplemental to any funds provided to a recipient as a state supplemental payment for domiciliary care.
Requires the Department of Health to adopt rules mandating that each primary caregiver and substitute caregiver in a Community Care Foster Family Home be a licensed nurse or certified nurse aide. Makes the requirements for primary and substitute caregivers applicable to all Community Care Foster Family Homes, regardless of the number of clients in the home.
Establishes a joint legislative Long-Term Care Financing Advisory Commission to examine the feasibility of different financing options for long-term care services and supports. Permits the Commission, through the Legislative Reference Bureau, to contract for services of a part-time project director and prepare proposals for contracts for consultants to support the work of the Commission. Requires the Commission to submit reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds.
HB 887 requires human services providers - such as agencies offering childcare, elder care, or mental health services - to pay employees the local prevailing wage rate for similar work. This means providers must pay wages determined by local labor market standards, not lower rates. The bill directly affects organizations employing workers in these service sectors by mandating fair compensation aligned with regional wage norms. It does not specify enforcement details or exceptions, focusing solely on establishing this wage requirement.
HB 62 sets minimum nurse-to-patient ratios for hospitals and long-term care homes, requiring specific staffing levels based on patient acuity. It directly affects healthcare facilities by mandating these ratios and requires the Department of Health to conduct compliance audits. The bill's key provision is establishing enforceable staffing standards, with audits ensuring facilities meet the required nurse-to-patient ratios. This legislation aims to standardize staffing levels without specifying penalties or funding mechanisms.
Clarifies that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who meet an intermediate care facility or nursing facility level of care shall not be denied residency in a licensed community care foster family home solely because of their disability or enrollment in a specific medicaid waiver program. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Requires the Executive Office on Aging to develop the framework and scope of work for a proposed study that examines the feasibility, impacts, and costs of different public and private financing options for long-term care services and supports and submit a report to the Legislature. Authorizes the Executive Office on Aging to contract with the University of Hawaii. Appropriates funds. (CD1)
