Healthcare

passed both · Hawaii · Senate May 1, 2026

SB 2089: RELATING TO MENTAL HEALTH.

Expands the services eligible for Medicaid Prospective Payment System reimbursement to include certain services furnished by a federally qualified health center or rural health clinic and provided by mental health professionals under the clinical supervision of a licensed mental health professional. Requires the Department of Human Services to adopt rules for this purpose and seek federal approvals as necessary. Specifies that implementation is contingent upon and only to the extent approved by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExpands Medicaid reimbursement for mental health services provided by qualified centers, increasing access and funding for mental health care under Medicaid.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

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passed both · Hawaii · House May 1, 2026

HB 1970: RELATING TO THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII CANCER CENTER.

HB 1970 provides funding for the University of Hawaii Cancer Center's Hawaii Tumor Registry, which tracks cancer cases across the state. The bill directly supports the Cancer Center by enabling its data collection and analysis efforts. Key provisions include appropriating state funds to maintain and expand the registry's operations for cancer surveillance. This policy change focuses on strengthening statewide cancer data systems without altering patient care protocols or insurance coverage.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAppropriates state funds for Hawaii Tumor Registry operations, directly funding a public health program per bill's summary and subjects.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareFunds Hawaii Tumor Registry for cancer surveillance, directly supporting public health data collection and cancer surveillance programs without altering care protocols.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

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passed both · Hawaii · House May 1, 2026

HB 1976: RELATING TO DEMENTIA.

Requires the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, fire chiefs, Law Enforcement Standards Board, and Department of Health to make available at least one hour of dementia‑specific training for first responders, including law enforcement officers, fire first responders, and emergency medical services personnel. Requires the Executive Office on Aging to take certain steps when reviewing and recommending dementia-specific training curricula. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires dementia-specific training for first responders to improve recognition and care of dementia patients, enhancing emergency healthcare response and patient outcomes.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

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in committee · Hawaii · Senate Apr 30, 2026

GM 707: Submitting for consideration and confirmation to the Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Kaua'i Service Area Board, Gubernatorial Nominee, KANWARDEEP KALEKA, for a term to expire 06-30-2030.

Governor Josh Green has nominated Kanwardeep Kaleka for a position on the Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Kaua'i Service Area Board, with a term ending June 30, 2030. This nomination requires confirmation by the Hawaii State Senate before Kaleka can assume the role. The board serves Kaua'i residents by overseeing mental health and substance abuse services in the region. The process follows Hawaii's constitutional requirement for gubernatorial nominations of board members to be confirmed by the Senate.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareConfirms mental health board member, enabling oversight of Kaua'i mental health services per bill's purpose.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

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passed both · Hawaii · Senate Apr 29, 2026

SB 3199: RELATING TO MENTAL HEALTH.

Establishes the Mental Health Emerging Therapies Task Force within the University of Hawaii at Manoa John A. Burns School of Medicine to prepare the State for the integration of breakthrough therapies, expansion of pathways for clinical trials and clinical research, and development of policy recommendations for safe, ethical, and culturally informed implementation of emerging therapies. Requires reports to the Legislature. Sunsets 6/30/2028. Effective 1/30/2050. (HD1)

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareEstablishes Mental Health Emerging Therapies Task Force to integrate breakthrough therapies, expand clinical trials, and develop policy recommendations for safe implementation, advancing mental health services.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

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passed both · Hawaii · Senate Apr 28, 2026

SB 2090: RELATING TO CHILD CUSTODY.

SB 2090 allows licensed mental health counselors to serve as child custody evaluators, expanding the pool of qualified professionals who can assess children's needs in custody cases. This change directly affects families involved in child custody disputes where mental health evaluations are required. The bill removes previous restrictions that limited this role to certain licensed professionals, enabling counselors with appropriate training to participate. It does not alter custody laws or standards but broadens who can conduct these evaluations. The measure passed a committee recommendation with four supporting votes in January 2026.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExpands mental health professional access in custody evaluations, directly supporting mental health services by removing restrictions on licensed counselors.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

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passed both · Hawaii · House Apr 27, 2026

HCR 137: URGING AN IMMEDIATE AND PERMANENT CEASEFIRE AND AN END TO HOSTILITIES IN IRAN.

This bill requests that health maintenance organizations in Hawaii follow the state's Clean Claims Statute to pay medical claims within 30 days, or 15 days for electronic submissions. It aims to address delays in reimbursement that can harm healthcare providers and patients, particularly in rural and underserved communities. The resolution calls for greater oversight and accountability by state agencies to ensure timely payments and prevent financial distress among medical practices. It does not create new laws but formally asks HMOs to comply with existing requirements and directs copies to relevant state officials.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill ensures timely reimbursement for healthcare claims, protecting providers and patients from financial distress and improving healthcare access.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

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passed · Hawaii · Senate Apr 22, 2026

SCR 109: URGING THE INSURANCE COMMISSIONER TO STUDY THE POTENTIAL BENEFITS OF EXPANDING THE USE OF MAIL-ORDER PHARMACY IN THE STATE.

This Senate Concurrent Resolution urges the Hawaii Insurance Commissioner to conduct a study on the potential benefits of expanding mail-order pharmacy services in the state. The bill directly affects state officials and healthcare stakeholders by requesting an examination of how mail-order pharmacies could improve medication access, reduce costs, and support patients in rural areas or with mobility challenges. The study must analyze specific areas including patient adherence, cost savings, access for vulnerable populations, safety of shipping systems, emergency preparedness, and patient choice options. The Insurance Commissioner is required to submit findings and recommendations to the Legislature by twenty days before the start of the 2027 Regular Session.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill urges study on expanding mail-order pharmacy to improve medication access, reduce costs, and support patients in rural areas or with mobility challenges.85% confidence | Rep's Stance Voted absent

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passed both · Hawaii · House Apr 21, 2026

HB 1574: RELATING TO THE HEALTHCARE EDUCATION LOAN REPAYMENT PROGRAM.

Formally codifies the Healthcare Education Loan Repayment Program. Requires a participant in the Healthcare Education Loan Repayment Program who receives a new award on or after July 1, 2027, to remain and work in the State for a certain number of years based on the amount of financial assistance received. Effective 7/31/2055. (SD2)

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill incentivizes healthcare professionals to remain in-state via loan repayment tied to service duration, strengthening workforce retention and access to care.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

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passed both · Hawaii · Senate Apr 21, 2026

SB 2261: RELATING TO HEALTH.

Requires Huli Au Ola to conduct a study on physician and dentist recruitment and retention to be located on and serve the island of Molokai. Requires a report to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill appropriates funds for Huli Au Ola to study physician/dentist retention on Molokai, directly addressing healthcare workforce access to strengthen services.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

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