Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SCR63

Introduced
3/12/26  
Refer
3/19/26  
Report Pass
4/8/26  
Engrossed
4/9/26  
Refer
4/10/26  
Report Pass
4/20/26  

Caption

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.

Impact

If implemented, SCR63 would provide a framework for healthcare providers to better understand and address the nuances of communication needs specific to patients who are deaf, hard of hearing, or deaf-blind. The resolution directly supports the revision of existing guidance that aids healthcare providers in fulfilling their legal obligations to offer auxiliary aids, including interpreters. It aims to promote improved patient-provider interaction, thereby enhancing overall healthcare accessibility and equity for those with communication disabilities.

Summary

SCR63 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution requesting the Disability and Communication Access Board to conduct a study on the communication needs of individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or deaf-blind in healthcare settings. The bill emphasizes the importance of effective communication in compliance with Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Acknowledging the challenges presented by current guidelines and the shortage of qualified interpreters, the resolution seeks to assess the efficiency of existing communication strategies utilized by healthcare providers toward these individuals.

Sentiment

Overall sentiment surrounding SCR63 appears positive, focusing on the necessity of refining communication methods in healthcare. Supporters view the resolution as a forward-thinking step that addresses longstanding issues surrounding healthcare access for individuals with communication disabilities. However, there may be some concerns regarding the practical application of the study findings and the implementation of proposed changes by healthcare facilities.

Contention

Despite the generally favorable sentiment, key contentions may arise concerning the feasibility of recruiting qualified sign language interpreters, especially considering Hawaii's known shortage. Additionally, stakeholders may debate the effectiveness of relying on family members as interpreters in critical situations. The resolution calls for a careful consideration of both legal responsibilities and patient preferences, potentially leading to discussions on the best practices that adequately balance these aspects within healthcare settings.

Companion Bills

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.

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.

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 SCR173

Requesting Health Insurers And Managed Care Providers That Provide Health Insurance In The State To Provide Insurance Coverage For Prosthetic And Orthotic Devices.

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 SCR67

Requesting The Department Of Human Resources Development And The State Agencies Comprising The State's Public Mental Health Care System To Cooperate More Closely To Determine The Necessary Actions To Expedite The Hiring And Filling Of Critical Vacancies, Including Solutions To Address The Obstacles And Challenges Unique To The Mental 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 SR142

Requesting Health Insurers And Managed Care Providers That Provide Health Insurance In The State To Provide Insurance Coverage For Prosthetic And Orthotic Devices.

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.

HI HCR91

Requesting Health Insurers And Managed Care Providers That Provide Health Insurance In The State To Provide Insurance Coverage For Prosthetic And Orthotic Devices.

Similar Bills

CT HB06932

An Act Concerning The Establishment Of A State Interpreting Standards Board.

MS HB1248

Court interpreters; revise regulations for.

NJ S2267

Requires health insurers, SHBP, SEHBP, and NJ FamilyCare coverage for sign language interpreter services for covered individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.

NJ A4331

Requires health insurers, SHBP, SEHBP, and NJ FamilyCare coverage for sign language interpreter services for covered individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.

CA AB1916

Courts: court interpreters.

TN HB1040

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 63; Title 68, Chapter 1, Part 1 and Title 71, Chapter 4, Part 21, relative to sign language interpreters.

TN SB0942

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 63; Title 68, Chapter 1, Part 1 and Title 71, Chapter 4, Part 21, relative to sign language interpreters.

TX SB1537

Relating to the appointment of an interpreter in a criminal proceeding.