Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

Hawaii House Bill HCR67

Introduced
3/12/26  
Refer
3/18/26  
Report Pass
4/9/26  
Engrossed
4/9/26  

Caption

Requesting The Disability And Communication Access Board To Study The Health Care Setting Communication Needs Of, And Develop Guidelines For, Individuals Who Are Deaf, Hard Of Hearing, Or Deaf-blind.

Impact

The proposed study aims to gather data on the availability of communication aids, such as sign language and tactile interpreters, and to identify the preferences of patients within these communities for effective healthcare interaction. The resolution calls for guidance to healthcare providers that aligns with the specific needs and preferences of these individuals, ensuring that healthcare services can meet the legal obligations set forth by existing statutes regarding disability accommodation.

Summary

HCR67 is a resolution requesting the Hawaii Disability and Communication Access Board to conduct a comprehensive study on the communication needs of individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or deaf-blind within healthcare settings. The resolution highlights existing legal frameworks, including the Americans with Disabilities Act, that require healthcare facilities to effectively communicate with patients who have communication disabilities. Additionally, it points out that Hawaii is experiencing a shortage of qualified sign language interpreters, which hampers effective communication in healthcare.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HCR67 include concerns regarding the adequacy of available resources to facilitate effective communication for patients with hearing impairments. The resolution underscores the legal obligations of healthcare providers to provide necessary auxiliary aids, but questions remain about the practical implementation of these requirements in a landscape marked by limited resources. This study is seen as a step towards addressing these gaps and promoting inclusivity in healthcare communication, but the challenge remains in overcoming the systemic obstacles posed by shortages of qualified interpreters and services.

Companion Bills

HI HR61

Same As Requesting The Disability And Communication Access Board To Study The Health Care Setting Communication Needs Of, And Develop Guidelines For, Individuals Who Are Deaf, Hard Of Hearing, Or Deaf-blind.

HI SCR63

Same As Requesting The Disability And Communication Access Board To Study The Communication Needs Of Individuals Who Are Deaf, Hard Of Hearing, Or Deaf-blind In Health Care Settings And Make Necessary Revisions To The Guidance For Health Care Providers.

Previously Filed As

HI SCR151

Requesting The Auditor To Assess The Social And Financial Effects Of Mandating Health Insurance Coverage For Hearing Aids.

HI SR121

Requesting The Auditor To Assess The Social And Financial Effects Of Mandating Health Insurance Coverage For Hearing Aids.

HI HCR139

Requesting The Office Of Wellness And Resilience To Develop A Report To Address The Developmental Needs Of Children Born During The Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic.

HI HCR116

Requesting The Hawaii Community Development Authority To Initiate The Planning Of A Health Tech Hub In Kakaako To Accelerate The Adoption Of Health Care Technology And Promote The Development And Growth Of Hawaii's Highly Skilled Health Care Workforce.

HI HCR32

Requesting The University Of Hawaii To Conduct A Viability Study Of Nuclear Energy Development In Hawaii.

HI HR133

Requesting The Office Of Wellness And Resilience To Develop A Report To Address The Developmental Needs Of Children Born During The Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic.

HI HCR88

Requesting The Chairperson Of The Board Of Directors Of The Hawaii Housing Finance And Development Corporation To Establish A Task Force To Study The Feasibility Of An Equity Conversion Mortgage Program For Kupuna Homeowners.

HI HCR26

Requesting The State Health Planning And Development Agency And Department Of Health To Hold A Public Meeting For All Certificate Of Need Applications For Any Proposed Special Treatment Facility In Neighborhoods With Community Associations.

HI HCR148

Requesting The Department Of Health To Convene A Task Force To Identify And Develop Minimum Professional Standards For Community Health Worker Training Programs.

HI SCR73

Requesting The Office Of Wellness And Resilience To Develop A Report To Address The Developmental Needs Of Children Born During The Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic.

Similar Bills

HI HR61

Requesting The Disability And Communication Access Board To Study The Health Care Setting Communication Needs Of, And Develop Guidelines For, Individuals Who Are Deaf, Hard Of Hearing, Or Deaf-blind.

HI SR57

Requesting The Disability And Communication Access Board To Study The Communication Needs Of Individuals Who Are Deaf, Hard Of Hearing, Or Deaf-blind In Health Care Settings And Make Necessary Revisions To The Guidance For Health Care Providers.

HI SCR63

Requesting The Disability And Communication Access Board To Study The Communication Needs Of Individuals Who Are Deaf, Hard Of Hearing, Or Deaf-blind In Health Care Settings And Make Necessary Revisions To The Guidance For Health Care Providers.

HI HB2005

Relating To Language Access.

RI H7932

Requires approval by the Rhode Island commission the deaf and hard of hearing before any reduction in American Sign Language interpreter services in hospitals and other public service facilities.

HI SB3238

Relating To Language Access.

RI H7931

Amends current law on interpreter services to mandate hospitals provide a certified, interpreter for every non-English speaker, unless there is no national or state certification for a specific language so that a qualified interpreter may be used.

KY HB583

AN ACT relating to the school-based Medicaid program.