Bill > SB1203

This bill requires all health care providers who accept Medicare to conduct a cognitive assessment during the annual Medicare Part B wellness visit for patients aged 65 and older, with several key provisions. The assessment must use standardized and FDA-approved diagnostic tools, and patients can choose to decline the assessment after being informed about its purpose and potential benefits. Health care providers must submit detailed, de-identified reports to the Executive Office on Aging, including information such as whether the assessment was declined, the type of assessment administered, its results, and any follow-up actions. The Executive Office on Aging is then required to compile these reports and submit an annual summary to the Legislature, ensuring patient confidentiality by only publishing aggregated data. The bill includes exemptions for providers who do not accept Medicare, patients already diagnosed with dementia, those unable to undergo assessment due to physical or mental impairments, and cases where an assessment would not be in the patient's best interest. The legislation is driven by concerns about the growing prevalence of Alzheimer's and related dementias, with the goal of early detection to potentially reduce healthcare costs and improve patient care. The bill will take effect on January 1, 2026, and includes an appropriation for data management and reporting costs.

Health and Social Services

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=1203&year=2026