Bill > HR194

This resolution strongly supports and recommends the implementation of a comprehensive Revised 2025 Hawaii Patient Bill of Rights, addressing critical healthcare challenges in the state. The resolution aims to modernize patient protections by tackling issues such as healthcare provider shortages, insurance coverage decisions, data security, and patient autonomy. Key provisions include requiring clear and transparent communication from insurers, establishing robust provider directories, ensuring timely specialist referrals, protecting emergency care coverage, and giving patients the right to understand and make informed decisions about their medical treatment. The bill introduces strict oversight for AI-driven coverage decisions, mandating specialist review of automated denials and requiring notification when AI is used in decision-making. It also establishes stringent data protection measures, including HIPAA-equivalent security for patient information, particularly for offshore data handling, with mandatory breach notifications and potential penalties for non-compliance. The resolution empowers the Insurance Commissioner to enforce these provisions through audits, investigations, and potential sanctions, and requires annual public reporting on implementation and trends. Notably, the bill includes a phased implementation approach, with some provisions taking immediate effect and others allowing a transition period of six to twelve months for full compliance, reflecting a balanced approach to addressing complex healthcare system challenges.

Health and Social Services

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HR&billnumber=194&year=2025