Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

Hawaii House Bill HB2421

Introduced
1/28/26  

Caption

Relating To Community Care Foster Family Homes.

Impact

The proposed legislation is expected to have significant implications for community care foster family homes by establishing clearer standards for caregiver absences and enhancing operational consistency. By allowing longer absence periods, the bill acknowledges the need for primary caregivers to attend to personal matters while still ensuring that clients are adequately cared for. Furthermore, it places importance on the qualifications and ongoing education of caregivers, which bolsters the welfare and safety of clients receiving services in these settings.

Summary

House Bill 2421 aims to amend the existing regulations surrounding community care foster family homes in Hawaii by modifying the allowances for the absence of primary caregivers. Specifically, the bill proposes that primary caregivers be permitted to be absent from the foster home for a maximum of forty-eight hours in a calendar week, with no single absence exceeding twenty-four consecutive hours. This change is intended to provide more flexibility for caregivers while ensuring that proper care is always available for clients. Additionally, the bill mandates that substitute caregivers remain present during the primary caregiver's absence.

Contention

While the bill appears to streamline operations within foster care homes, it may also raise concerns regarding the quality of care during a primary caregiver's absence. Stakeholders may argue that extended absences could negatively impact the stability and quality of care that clients receive. Moreover, the requirement for substitute caregivers to have prior experience and appropriate qualifications, while enhancing care standards, may also present challenges in staffing and available personnel within community care settings. This potential for staffing strain could lead to debates on how best to balance operational needs with the requirement for skilled care.

Companion Bills

HI SB3051

Same As Relating To Community Care Foster Family Homes.

Previously Filed As

HI HB185

Relating To Care Homes.

HI SR9

Requesting The Department Of Human Services And Department Of Health To Establish A Program To Incentivize Community Care Foster Family Homes In The State To Accept Individuals Who Are Eligible For Assistance Pursuant To The State's Medicaid I/dd Waiver Program.

HI SR57

Requesting The Department Of Human Services And Department Of Health To Establish A Program To Incentivize Community Care Foster Family Homes In The State To Accept Individuals Who Are Eligible For Assistance Pursuant To The State's Medicaid I/dd Waiver Program.

HI SCR13

Requesting The Department Of Human Services And Department Of Health To Establish A Program To Incentivize Community Care Foster Family Homes In The State To Accept Individuals Who Are Eligible For Assistance Pursuant To The State's Medicaid I/dd Waiver Program.

HI SCR74

Requesting The Department Of Human Services And Department Of Health To Establish A Program To Incentivize Community Care Foster Family Homes In The State To Accept Individuals Who Are Eligible For Assistance Pursuant To The State's Medicaid I/dd Waiver Program.

HI HB1282

Relating To Certified Caregivers.

HI SB857

Relating To Care Homes.

HI SB943

Relating To Health.

HI SB1059

Relating To Certified Caregivers.

HI HB1227

Relating To Family Leave.

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