This Senate Concurrent Resolution requests the Hawaii Department of Health to create an informal working group to evaluate services and funding for patients with multiple diagnoses, including substance use disorders, mental health conditions, and chronic physical illnesses. The working group will examine how to better integrate care for these high-need individuals, potentially by establishing residential treatment facilities that combine medical, behavioral, and social support services. The group will consider specific service models, staffing needs, and funding options, with the goal of reducing fragmented care and improving health outcomes. The Department of Health is asked to submit a report with findings and recommendations to the Legislature by the end of 2026.
This Senate Resolution asks Hawaii's Disability and Communication Access Board to study how healthcare providers can better communicate with deaf, hard of hearing, and deaf-blind patients. The study will examine interpreter availability, patient preferences, special needs in hospital and nursing facility settings, and legal requirements for communication services. Based on its findings, the Board will update existing guidance for healthcare providers and submit a report with recommendations to the Legislature by late 2027. This resolution does not create new laws but directs a study to improve communication access for individuals with hearing or vision disabilities in medical settings.
This Senate Concurrent Resolution asks Hawaii's Disability and Communication Access Board to study how deaf, hard of hearing, and deaf-blind individuals communicate in healthcare settings and to develop updated guidelines for providers. The study will examine interpreter availability, patient preferences, special needs for hospitalized patients, and legal requirements for effective communication. Based on its findings, the Board will revise existing guidance and submit a report with recommendations to the Legislature by early 2027. This action aims to improve healthcare access for individuals with communication disabilities by ensuring providers understand their specific needs and legal obligations.
This Senate Resolution asks the Hawaii Department of Health to take the lead role in coordinating state services and support for people with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. The bill requests the department to create a plan that brings together multiple state agencies, including health, human services, education, and the judiciary, to provide better care and support. It also asks for efforts to increase public awareness and reduce stigma, while training healthcare and education professionals to better identify and manage these conditions. The resolution requires the Department of Health to share its coordination plan with the Legislature by early 2027, including any recommendations for new laws or funding needed to implement the changes.
This Senate Resolution urges Maui Health to work with state and medical stakeholders to create a full-time medical residency program on Maui, aiming to address the island's critical shortage of physicians. The bill calls for leveraging federal Rural Health Transformation Program funding and other resources to support the program's establishment and long-term sustainability. It specifically requests collaboration with the John A. Burns School of Medicine, federally qualified health centers, and other partners while requiring Maui Health to submit a progress report to the Legislature by early 2027.
This Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR 21) requests the Hawai'i Health Systems Corporation's East Hawai'i Regional Health Care System to study establishing a rural health clinic or similar access point in Volcano, Hawaii. The resolution directly affects Volcano residents and visitors, who currently lack nearby primary care, emergency stabilization, and consistent medical services due to geographic isolation and hazards. The study must examine potential sites, operational models (like part-time care or telehealth), staffing, costs, partnerships with local groups, and benefits for emergency response and chronic care. The East Hawai'i Region must submit findings and recommendations to the Legislature by late 2026.
This Senate Resolution (SR 18) requests the Hawaiʻi Health Systems Corporation's East Hawaiʻi Regional Health Care System to study establishing a rural health clinic in Volcano, Hawaiʻi. It directly affects Volcano residents - who currently lack nearby primary care, emergency services, and face geographic barriers - and visitors to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. The study must examine potential clinic sites, operational models (like part-time care or mobile clinics), costs, staffing, and partnerships with local groups. The resolution does not create new services but asks for a feasibility report to be submitted to the Legislature by late 2026.
This Senate Resolution (SR 10) urges Hawaii counties to approve or deny building permit applications for home modifications within 45 days of receiving a complete application. The modifications must be prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider and deemed essential for the safety or health of an older adult (62+) or person with a disability. Key provisions require counties to prioritize these applications - such as installing ramps, grab bars, or widened doorways - to enable aging in place and prevent fall-related injuries. The resolution does not create new law but formally requests counties streamline this process to reduce delays.
This Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR 8) urges Hawaii counties to approve or deny building permit applications for home safety modifications within 45 days of receiving a complete application. It specifically targets modifications - like ramps, grab bars, or widened doorways - prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider and deemed essential for the safety or health of older adults (62+) or people with disabilities. The resolution does not create new law but encourages counties to act faster to reduce delays that contribute to fall-related injuries and hospitalizations, citing 2023 data showing over 200 preventable fall deaths among seniors.
Establishes a 3-year Health Coverage Continuity Pilot Program within the Department of Human Services, in consultation with the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, to assist individuals who have lost Medicaid health insurance coverage and lack access to other health insurance options. Authorizes the Department of Human Services to contract with a nonprofit health insurer or community-based organization to operate the Pilot Program under certain circumstances. Authorizes the Department of Human Services to issue premium subsidies in certain circumstances. Requires reports to the Legislature. Appropriates moneys. Sunsets 6/30/2029. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD2)
