summary
Introduced
01/22/2026
01/22/2026
In Committee
02/20/2026
02/20/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Establishes a broad definition of "qualified health care provider" in numerous areas of existing law. Clarifies and standardizes references to specific health care providers. Updates outdated language to reflect correct terminology. Makes numerous clarifying and conforming amendments to support these changes, including but not limited to chapters related to health, education, insurance, professions and vocations, the pain patient's bill of rights, the Uniform Probate Code, minors, the Child Protective Act, and the Penal Code. Repeals the obsolete Hawaii Health Corps. Effective 1/30/2050. Implementation effective 7/1/2028. (SD1)
AI Summary
This bill aims to standardize and clarify references to health care providers across various state laws by establishing a broad definition of "qualified health care provider" that includes anyone licensed or certified under Hawaii's health and professions and vocations titles, ensuring that new license categories are automatically included. It also updates outdated terminology and makes conforming amendments to numerous chapters, including those related to health, education, insurance, professions, and the penal code, to reflect these changes and remove existing barriers to practice, thereby supporting expanded access to care while maintaining patient safety. Additionally, the bill repeals the obsolete Hawaii Health Corps. The changes are set to take effect on January 30, 2050, with implementation beginning July 1, 2028.
Committee Categories
Health and Social Services, Justice
Sponsors (5)
Stanley Chang (D)*,
Kurt Fevella (R)*,
Jarrett Keohokalole (D)*,
Rachele Fernandez Lamosao (D),
Joy San Buenaventura (D),
Last Action
Report adopted; Passed Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referred to JDC/WAM. (on 02/20/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=2491&year=2026 |
| BillText | https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2026/bills/SB2491_SD1_.HTM |
| Committee Report SB2491_SD1_SSCR2558_ | https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2026/CommReports/SB2491_SD1_SSCR2558_.pdf |
| SB2491_TESTIMONY_HHS-CPN_02-06-26_ | https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2026/Testimony/SB2491_TESTIMONY_HHS-CPN_02-06-26_.PDF |
| BillText | https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2026/bills/SB2491_.HTM |
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