Bill > SB1041

This bill requires the Hawaii Department of Health to develop a service availability form that healthcare facilities (called "covered entities") must complete to transparently disclose which medical services they may refuse to provide for nonmedical reasons. The bill aims to protect patient autonomy by mandating that general hospitals, community clinics, emergency departments, maternity hospitals, and rehabilitation hospitals publicly list services they might not offer, such as sterilization, abortion, contraceptive services, infertility treatments, or end-of-life care. By February 1, 2027, these covered entities must submit their service availability forms to the Department of Health, which will publish the forms online, allowing patients to compare healthcare service availability across different facilities. Each covered entity must provide patients with their current service availability form during the informed consent process and maintain records of patients receiving this information. The bill establishes a complaint and investigation process with potential fines up to $1,000 per violation for non-compliant entities. The legislature recognizes that such non-medical service refusals disproportionately impact vulnerable populations, including LGBTQ+ individuals, low-income patients, and those in rural areas, and seeks to promote transparency and patient informed decision-making in healthcare settings.

Health and Social Services

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=1041&year=2026