Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

Hawaii House Bill HR61

Introduced
3/12/26  
Refer
3/18/26  
Report Pass
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

If HR61 is passed, it will encourage systematic assessment of the current communication barriers faced by individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or deaf-blind when accessing healthcare services. The resolution calls not only for a study of available resources but also the examination of patient preferences for interpreter profiles and services. This initiative aims to enhance healthcare providers' understanding of their legal obligations regarding auxiliary aids and supports, which could lead to improved patient outcomes in diverse healthcare environments.

Summary

House Resolution 61 (HR61) calls for the Disability and Communication Access Board to study and develop guidelines for meeting the communication needs of individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or deaf-blind in healthcare settings. The resolution emphasizes the legal requirements imposed by the Americans with Disabilities Act, which obligates healthcare providers to convey information effectively to patients with communication disabilities. The need for such guidelines is underscored by a recognized shortage of qualified sign language interpreters in Hawaii, making effective communication challenging for these patients.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding HR61 is the potential implications for training healthcare staff in effective communication strategies with patients who have different needs. There may be concerns related to the adequacy of existing resources and whether current healthcare practices can be adapted quickly enough to align with the proposed guidelines. Additionally, there is the challenge of ensuring that financial resources are allocated appropriately to improve interpreter availability and healthcare staff training while maintaining quality patient care.

Companion Bills

HI HCR67

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 SR57

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 HR112

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 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 SR61

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 HR31

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

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 SCR78

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 SCR69

Requesting The Administrator Of The State Health Planning And Development Agency To Convene A Pharmacy Benefit Manager Working Group To Determine The Best Policies To Lower Drug Costs For Patient Consumers And Increase Access To Health Care.

HI SCR35

Requesting The Hawaii Technology Development Corporation To Initiate The Planning Of A Health Care Technology 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.

Similar Bills

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 HCR67

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 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.