REQUESTING THE DIRECTOR OF HEALTH TO CONVENE A WORKING GROUP TO EXAMINE THE FEASIBILITY OF ARTS-BASED SOCIAL PRESCRIBING WITHIN PUBLIC INSURANCE, PRIVATE INSURANCE, AND PREPAID HEALTH CARE PLANS IN HAWAII.

This bill requests the Hawaii Director of Health to form a working group to study whether arts-based social prescribing - where doctors recommend participation in creative activities like music, dance, or theater as part of mental health treatment - can be integrated into public, private, and prepaid health insurance plans. The working group will include representatives from health insurers, arts organizations, healthcare providers, and relevant state agencies to examine legal, regulatory, and financial feasibility across Hawaii's multi-payer system. The group will analyze potential impacts on patient outcomes and costs, explore pilot program opportunities, and submit a report with recommendations to the Legislature by early 2027.