Bill > SB866

This bill addresses emergency medical services (EMS) challenges in Hawaii by establishing a comprehensive program through the Department of Health designed to improve EMS personnel support and accessibility. The program aims to expand EMS training opportunities across all counties by offering remote and virtual classes, creating pathways for high school students to enter the EMS field, promoting recruitment and retention of trained personnel, reimbursing licensure training fees, and providing new equipment and vehicles to county EMS systems. The legislation recognizes current barriers in EMS training, such as limited educational institutions offering required programs and the need for personnel in rural, underserved communities. Specifically, the bill requires the Department of Health to 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. The bill also appropriates state general funds to support these initiatives and will take effect on July 1, 2025, with the ultimate goal of improving emergency medical response capabilities and reducing potential death and disability in local communities by enhancing timely and effective medical aid.

Health and Social Services

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=866&year=2025