Bill > SB866

This bill requires the Hawaii Department of Health to establish and implement a comprehensive program to improve emergency medical services (EMS) across the state by addressing critical workforce and training challenges. The program includes expanding EMS training access in all counties through remote and in-person classes, creating pathways for high school students to enter the EMS field, promoting recruitment and retention of EMS personnel, reimbursing training fees for individuals who successfully obtain licensure, and providing new equipment, medications, and vehicles to county EMS systems. The bill acknowledges current barriers to EMS personnel development, such as limited training institutions and geographical challenges, particularly in rural counties. The Department of Health must submit reports on the program's effectiveness to the legislature before the 2026 and 2027 legislative sessions, with the program set to expire on June 30, 2027. While the exact funding amount is not specified in the bill text, funds will be appropriated from the state's general revenues for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 to support the program's implementation. The act is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2025, and aims to address critical gaps in emergency medical services infrastructure and personnel across Hawaii.

Health and Social Services

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=866&year=2026