Bill > SB1565

This bill amends Section 436E-1 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes to explicitly recognize acupuncture practitioners as essential health care providers. The legislation maintains the existing legislative finding that acupuncture is a method of treating illness and disability that impacts public health, safety, and welfare, but adds language emphasizing that individuals practicing acupuncture should be formally acknowledged as essential healthcare providers. By making this modification, the bill reinforces the professional status of acupuncturists and underscores their importance within the broader healthcare system. The change is relatively minor, primarily updating the language of the existing statute to more explicitly recognize the role of acupuncture practitioners. The bill will take effect immediately upon receiving official approval, and it does not introduce any additional regulatory requirements beyond the existing framework for acupuncture practice in Hawaii.

Business and Industry, Health and Social Services

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=1565&year=2026