Bill > SB943

This bill requires the Department of Health to establish new rules for community care foster family homes (CCFFHs) that mandate primary caregivers in homes serving two or three clients be a certified nurse aide (CNA) or licensed nurse. Currently, CNA certification is only required for homes with three clients, but the legislature believes that due to the intermediate care facility (ICF) level of care needed, all such homes should have a primary caregiver with professional healthcare training. Specifically, the primary caregiver must have completed a state-approved training program, hold a current CNA certificate or nursing license, and meet other training requirements set by the department. The bill aims to ensure basic competency in critical care tasks such as recording vital signs, assisting with medication administration, and performing other skilled nursing tasks. This requirement will provide consistency across CCFFHs and help ensure high-quality care for vulnerable kupuna (elderly) in community-based residential settings. The new rules will apply to both primary and substitute caregivers, with the goal of maintaining a standard of care that meets the needs of residents requiring a higher level of medical support.

Health and Social Services

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=943&year=2026