Bill > HB1858

This bill aims to improve the collection of data related to fetal deaths in Hawaii, particularly noting the disproportionately high rates among Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders and the significant emotional and financial toll on affected families. Key provisions include establishing a minimum gestational age of twenty weeks (or a minimum fetal weight of 350 grams) for mandatory fetal death registration, aligning with national standards and reducing the burden of reporting for very early miscarriages, which are often not accurately recorded. For miscarriages occurring before this threshold, attending medical professionals will be required to provide documentation upon request from the birthing parent, though this documentation will not serve as a legal government record. The bill also extends the reporting deadline for fetal deaths from three to fourteen days to allow for more thorough determination of the cause, and clarifies when a permit is required for the disposition of fetal remains, generally exempting cases under twenty weeks gestation or those resulting from legally performed abortions. Additionally, the bill defines terms like "advanced practice registered nurse" and "physician assistant" and makes conforming changes to existing statutes regarding the department's authority and duties in collecting vital statistics.

Health and Social Services, Justice

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1858&year=2026