Healthcare across the country

introduced · Hawaii · Senate Jul 14, 2026

GM 1353: Informing the Legislature that on July 14, 2026, the Governor signed the following bill into law: SB2259 SD1 HD1 CD1 (ACT 251).

This bill establishes a new program within Hawaii's Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to recognize businesses that create dementia-friendly environments. To qualify for this recognition, businesses must provide one-hour dementia training to all current employees, after which they receive a website badge and a physical decal for their location. The program aims to raise awareness about Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia while supporting customers and fostering a capable workforce. Funding of $90,000 is allocated for the first fiscal year to launch and administer the initiative, with a list of certified businesses made available online for families and individuals with dementia.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill creates a dementia-friendly business program with training, improving patient access and support for dementia care.85% confidence

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introduced · Hawaii · Senate Jul 10, 2026

GM 1332: Informing the Legislature that on July 10, 2026, the Governor signed the following bill into law: SB3325 SD1 HD2 CD1 (ACT 230).

This bill requires the Hawaii Department of Education to create an updated plan for maximizing Medicaid reimbursements for administrative and support services provided to students with special needs. The Department must also submit annual reports to the legislature detailing how it meets specific Medicaid claim requirements, such as verifying student eligibility, maintaining proper documentation, and ensuring services are delivered by licensed providers. These reports will include data on the number of students served, the amount of federal funds leveraged, and how the reimbursement money is reinvested. Additionally, the Department must provide training materials and evidence of training for staff involved in delivering these school-based services.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill mandates improved Medicaid reimbursement plans and reporting for special needs students, enhancing access to essential educational services.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates maximizing Medicaid reimbursements for special needs services, ensuring funding and access for healthcare.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicaid

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introduced · Hawaii · Senate Jul 10, 2026

GM 1323: Informing the Legislature that on July 9, 2026, the Governor signed the following bill into law: SB2271 SD1 HD2 CD1 (ACT 221).

This bill informs the Hawaii Legislature that Governor Josh Green signed Act 221 into law on July 9, 2026. The law expands hospital licensing options by allowing facilities to use accreditation from any Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services-approved organization, not just The Joint Commission. Under the new rules, hospitals that maintain full accreditation or certification can be exempt from routine state licensing inspections, though the department retains the right to investigate complaints or adverse findings. Additionally, reports and letters from these accrediting bodies will become public information.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill expands hospital licensing options and reduces inspection burdens for accredited facilities, improving operational efficiency and access.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Hospitals Medicaid Medicare

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introduced · Hawaii · Senate Jul 10, 2026

GM 1325: Informing the Legislature that on July 9, 2026, the Governor signed the following bill into law: HB1974 HD1 SD1 CD1 (ACT 223).

This bill directs the state health planning and development agency to create a comprehensive plan addressing hearing loss across Hawaii. The plan must assess current efforts, analyze data on prevalence and access to care, and offer recommendations to improve screening, affordability, and treatment for people of all ages. The agency is required to share the initial plan with the legislature before the 2027 session and provide regular updates every two years on progress and future work.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates a comprehensive plan to improve hearing loss screening, affordability, and treatment access, directly strengthening healthcare services.85% confidence

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introduced · Hawaii · Senate Jul 10, 2026

GM 1321: Informing the Legislature that on July 9, 2026, the Governor signed the following bill into law: HB1969 HD2 SD1 CD1 (ACT 219).

This bill establishes a state-funded financial assistance program to cover colorectal cancer screenings and necessary follow-up treatments for Hawaii residents who are uninsured, have inadequate health coverage, or are ineligible for Medicaid. It mandates that all health insurance policies in the state must cover colorectal cancer screenings using approved methods without requiring deductibles, copayments, or other cost-sharing fees. Additionally, the legislation requires insurance providers to inform their customers about the risks of undiagnosed colorectal cancer and encourages them to consult with physicians regarding screening options. The Department of Human Services is tasked with creating an application process for this program, which is initially funded with $1.8 million for the 2026-2027 fiscal year.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill establishes a state-funded financial assistance program for cancer screenings, directly increasing government spending to support public health services.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill establishes state funding for cancer screenings and mandates insurance coverage without cost-sharing, directly expanding access and funding.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance Medicaid

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introduced · Hawaii · Senate Jul 10, 2026

GM 1333: Informing the Legislature that on July 10, 2026, the Governor signed the following bill into law: HB1705 HD1 SD2 (ACT 231).

This bill, known as Act 231, expands the pool of qualified professionals who can serve as child custody evaluators in Hawaii by including licensed mental health counselors. Currently, only marriage and family therapists, psychiatrists, psychologists, and clinical social workers are eligible, but this legislation adds licensed mental health counselors to the list of approved professionals. The change aims to address high demand and long wait times for evaluations, which can delay critical decisions affecting children's well-being and increase costs for families. By allowing counselors to perform these evaluations, the bill seeks to reduce backlogs and make the process more accessible and equitable for families involved in family court proceedings.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill expands the pool of qualified mental health professionals to address wait times and improve access to child custody evaluations.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health

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introduced · Hawaii · Senate Jul 16, 2026

GM 1370: Informing the Legislature that on July 16, 2026, the following bill became law without the Governor's signature: SB847 SD2 HD2 CD1 (Act 266).

This bill establishes a three-year pilot program allowing qualified clinical psychologists to prescribe specific psychotropic medications under the supervision of a physician or psychiatrist. The program is limited to treating patients between the ages of 18 and 65 at federally qualified health centers located in Kauai and Hawaii counties. The legislation aims to improve access to mental health care in these areas by expanding the scope of practice for psychologists who have completed specialized training in psychopharmacology.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill expands access to mental health care by allowing psychologists to prescribe medication in underserved areas.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Healthcare Workforce Medical Licensing Mental Health

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introduced · Hawaii · Senate Jul 10, 2026

GM 1322: Informing the Legislature that on July 9, 2026, the Governor signed the following bill into law: SB3025 SD2 HD3 CD1 (ACT 220).

This bill directs the Office of Wellness and Resilience to create a program that purchases and forgives outstanding medical debt for eligible Hawaii residents. To qualify for this relief, individuals must be state residents with household incomes at or below 400% of the federal poverty level and adjusted gross incomes under $100,000, while also having medical debt equal to at least 5% of their household income. The legislation authorizes the state to partner with relevant agencies to administer the program, which aims to help families avoid the negative impacts of unpaid medical bills on their health and financial stability.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill creates a program to purchase and forgive medical debt, directly improving patient access and financial relief.90% confidence

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introduced · Hawaii · Senate Jul 7, 2026

GM 1300: Informing the Legislature that on July 7, 2026, the Governor signed the following bill into law: SB3324 SD1 HD1 CD1 (ACT 198).

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.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill appropriates $1.7M to increase Medicaid funding for residential care services, directly strengthening public service funding.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill increases Medicaid funding and raises reimbursement rates for residential care services, directly strengthening healthcare access.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill increases Medicaid funding to raise reimbursement rates, explicitly addressing funding gaps that hindered providers from offering employee benefits.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Long-Term Care Medicaid

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introduced · Hawaii · Senate Jul 7, 2026

GM 1301: Informing the Legislature that on July 7, 2026, the Governor signed the following bill into law: SB2340 SD2 HD1 CD1 (ACT 199).

This bill clarifies that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are enrolled in specific Medicaid waiver programs can live in community care foster family homes without losing their waiver benefits. It amends state statutes to ensure that residency in these homes is not denied solely based on a person's disability status or their participation in a particular Medicaid program. The legislation also updates regulations for these homes, including requirements for caregiver age, continuing education, and limits on how long primary caregivers can be absent while maintaining staffing standards.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill protects patient rights by ensuring individuals with disabilities retain Medicaid waiver benefits when living in foster family homes, improving access to community care.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicaid

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