Healthcare

This bill amends pharmacy laws to establish clearer and fairer rules for auditing pharmacy records. It requires auditors, including the state and insurance companies, to send written notice at least two weeks before an on-site inspection and to specify which prescriptions will be reviewed. The law also clarifies that simple clerical or computer errors do not automatically constitute fraud and cannot be used to impose criminal penalties without proof of intent to deceive. Additionally, it ensures that pharmacies have a minimum of sixty days to respond to audit findings if their contracts do not specify a longer period. These changes aim to standardize audit procedures and protect pharmacies from penalties based on minor mistakes.

This bill informs the Hawaii Legislature that Governor Josh Green signed SB2623 into law on May 26, 2026, updating the rules for pharmacy licensing. The law amends state statutes to clarify the duties of registered pharmacy technicians, specifying that they can perform certain non-discretionary tasks under a pharmacist's supervision and must be at least eighteen years old to administer vaccinations. It also grants the state pharmacy board expanded authority to inspect wholesale drug distributors, deny licenses to applicants with disciplinary records from other states, and approve pilot research projects for innovative pharmacy practices. Additionally, the bill establishes that all pharmacy licenses and registrations must be renewed every two years by December 31 of odd-numbered years.

This bill directs the Governor to inform the Hawaii Legislature that he signed Act 021 into law on May 21, 2026. The legislation provides an emergency appropriation of $14,248,126 to the Department of Human Services to reimburse funds used for food security efforts during a recent federal government shutdown. Additionally, it allocates $16,500,000 for the upcoming fiscal year to help cover health insurance premiums for residents who may lose federal coverage due to new federal policies. These funds are intended to support the Hawaii Emergency Food Assistance Program, the Hawaii Food Bank, and call center services while ensuring healthcare providers can continue to treat uninsured individuals.

This bill serves as a formal notification that Governor Josh Green signed HB 2505 into law on May 27, 2026, making it official state legislation. The underlying law modifies how the state handles individuals committed to the Department of Health for mental health treatment by adding a new pathway called assisted community treatment. Under this provision, if a clinical team decides an individual does not need involuntary hospitalization but still requires oversight, they must identify a community mental health program to provide services and file a petition with the family court. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2026, and ensures that individuals remain in custody only until a judge rules on the petition for community treatment.

This bill is a House Resolution that formally commends comedian Tumua Tuinei for his contributions to Hawaii's entertainment industry and community. It recognizes his work as a cultural ambassador who promotes local humor and values through his social media presence and live performances. The resolution also highlights his partnership with the Hawaii Department of Health to support youth wellness and mental health initiatives. This measure serves as an official acknowledgment of his achievements rather than a law that changes policy or mandates action.

Amends the definition of "eligible business activity" for the purposes of the Enterprise Zone Program to include certain retail sales of tangible personal property; processing of certain value-added agricultural products; research development, sale, or production of all types of medical products and medical and health care services; activities of the Hawaii Food and Product Innovation Network; the provision of certain professional services by health care professionals; aerospace research and development activities; and information technology design and production services. Authorizes the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to declare up to two census tracts on state land that contain an innovation enterprise to be designated as an enterprise zone, subject to the Governor's approval and notwithstanding certain conditions. Requires DBEDT to conduct a comprehensive review, in consultation with the Department of Taxation, of the State Enterprise Zones Program and to submit a report to the Legislature. For taxable years beginning after 12/31/2026, extends the eligibility period of the state business tax credit for qualified businesses within state enterprise zones. Beginning 1/1/2028, extends the eligibility period of the general excise tax exemption for qualified businesses within state enterprise zones. Applies to qualified businesses who join the Enterprise Zone Program on or after 7/1/2026. (CD1)

This bill clarifies and streamlines background check requirements for individuals working at healthcare facilities in Hawaii. It directly affects applicants, employees, and volunteers who have direct access to patients or their personal information. The law mandates specific checks, including searches for adult and child abuse records, criminal history, and sex offender registry status, while explicitly excluding staff whose duties do not involve direct patient contact. Additionally, the act defines who qualifies as a "direct patient access employee" to ensure the background screening process applies appropriately to those in positions of trust.

This bill expands the state's existing privacy protections to explicitly include gender-affirming health care services alongside reproductive health care. It establishes legal safeguards against "abusive litigation" by allowing individuals to sue for damages and attorney fees if they face frivolous lawsuits or professional disciplinary actions related to these lawful medical services. The legislation also prohibits medical malpractice insurers and health carriers from taking adverse actions against providers solely because they offer reproductive or gender-affirming care. Additionally, the bill clarifies that standard insurance activities, such as fraud prevention or contract enforcement, remain unaffected by these new protections.

This House Resolution asks Hawaii's Department of Education to develop a plan for removing processed meats, which are classified as carcinogens, from school meals by 2032. The plan would require schools to either eliminate processed meats entirely or replace them with whole-food, scratch-made, or minimally processed plant-based alternatives. The Department must create an inventory of current menu items, outline a timeline for changes, establish nutritional standards for replacements, and estimate associated costs. The resolution directs the Department to submit a report with findings and recommendations to the Legislature within 20 days of the resolution's passage.

This Senate Concurrent Resolution requests the Governor of Hawaii to create procedures allowing out-of-state health care professionals to practice temporarily during a state of emergency without holding a Hawaii license. The measure specifically targets physicians, nurses, pharmacists, mental health counselors, and other designated professionals who must hold valid licenses in their home jurisdictions and be affiliated with recognized emergency response organizations. Key provisions include permitting telehealth services without prior patient relationships, requiring professionals to register within 24 hours of deployment, and limiting authorization to 60 days or until the emergency ends. The resolution also establishes an online registry for tracking participating professionals and includes liability protections for the state while maintaining malpractice standards for the practitioners.