Bill > SB294

This bill addresses Hawaii's healthcare workforce shortage by appropriating $1,450,000 for two key educational programs over fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027. The first program focuses on supporting health care certification programs in public high schools, with the goal of providing students with training and skills to enter healthcare positions immediately after graduation. These high school programs aim to help approximately 150 students annually by covering costs like tuition, transportation, and work uniforms, while offering career coaching and removing barriers to entry into the healthcare workforce. The second program is a "CNA+ to LPN glidepath" initiative that supports certified nurse assistants (CNAs) in becoming licensed practical nurses (LPNs) through an "earn-and-learn" model, allowing participants to continue working full-time while pursuing licensure. This program helps about 40 participants annually and targets the high demand for LPNs in nursing homes and long-term care settings. The legislature recognizes these programs as crucial for addressing workforce shortages, noting that a 2022 survey found over 1,500 job openings could potentially be filled by graduates of these programs. The bill aims to continuously support and scale up these educational efforts to meet Hawaii's growing healthcare needs.

Health and Social Services

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=294&year=2025