Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SR57

Introduced
3/12/26  
Refer
3/19/26  
Report Pass
4/8/26  

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

The passage of SR57 symbolizes an important step towards improving legislative support for communication accessibility in health care facilities. While it does not alter existing laws directly, it emphasizes the legal responsibilities of health care providers under the Americans with Disabilities Act to effectively communicate with individuals who have communication disabilities. By calling for a comprehensive study and subsequent revisions to existing guidance, the resolution aims to ensure that health care facilities are equipped to meet the diverse needs of patients who are deaf, hard of hearing, or deaf-blind. This focus on patient-centered communication can potentially lead to better health outcomes and patient satisfaction.

Summary

Senate Resolution 57 (SR57) requests the Disability and Communication Access Board to study the communication needs of individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or deaf-blind within health care settings. The resolution aims to gather insights on effective communication strategies and the availability of necessary auxiliary aids, such as qualified sign language interpreters. In addition, it seeks to address the preferences and unique needs of patients who fall into these groups, ensuring that health care providers can deliver tailored communication services that enhance patients' understanding and accessibility in various health care environments.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SR57 appears to be positive, reflecting a common understanding of the need for improved communication frameworks within health care settings. Lawmakers demonstrate a commitment to addressing the barriers faced by individuals with communication disabilities, reinforcing support for inclusivity and equal treatment. Additionally, the resolution suggests a proactive approach in confronting prevalent issues, such as the shortage of qualified interpreters, which adds further significance to the bill and fosters a collaborative atmosphere among stakeholders in health care and disability services.

Contention

While there are no overt points of contention related to SR57 itself, the resolution raises important considerations regarding the ongoing challenges of ensuring adequate resources for effective communication in health care settings. The study called for by the resolution will likely explore existing gaps in interpreter services and may identify areas requiring legislative solutions or additional support. Stakeholders will be expected to engage in dialogues about the adequacy of funding and training for sign language interpreters, which could spur further discussions on priorities and legislative action in future sessions.

Companion Bills

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.

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.

Previously Filed As

HI SR121

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

HI SCR151

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

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 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 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 SR51

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 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 HCR91

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

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 HR87

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.