Bill > SB2289

This bill amends existing law to exempt certain health care facilities and services from the requirement of obtaining a certificate of need, which is a permit needed to establish or expand health care services. The exemptions include various types of medical practices like private physician offices, dental clinics, and laboratories, as well as specific facilities such as those within businesses for employee use, correctional or educational institutions, and homes for those relying on spiritual healing. It also exempts non-patient areas of care facilities, minor bed changes, projects mandated by court orders, replacement of existing equipment, primary care clinics, and equipment used primarily for research. Furthermore, the bill exempts facilities needing capital expenditures to address safety hazards, comply with licensing or accreditation standards required for federal reimbursements (like Medicare and Medicaid), and extended care adult residential care homes and assisted living facilities. New exemptions are added for substance abuse treatment programs, intermediate care facilities for individuals with intellectual disabilities, licensed home care agencies, kidney disease treatment centers, neonatal intensive care units, burn care units, and facilities located in federally designated medically underserved rural areas. The agency can also exempt other facilities or services through rule-making.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=2289&year=2026