Bill > HB2576

This bill aims to clarify and streamline background check requirements for individuals involved with healthcare facilities in Hawaii, including applicants, operators, and direct patient access employees, who are individuals with access to patients or their belongings. It introduces new definitions for "fingerprint-based background check," which involves searching state and federal criminal history databases, and "name-based background check," which reviews records for abuse, neglect, and criminal history. The bill mandates a one-time fingerprint-based background check for most individuals, with exceptions for certain licensed healthcare professionals and hospital employees, and requires an initial name-based background check for all. Additionally, operators and direct patient access employees will undergo name-based background checks every two years. The bill also clarifies that hospitals may conduct their own name-based background checks, and it outlines conditions under which employment can be denied or licenses revoked if disqualifying information is found or if individuals refuse to cooperate with the background check process. The fees for these checks can be passed on to the individuals being checked, and those involved in the process are generally protected from civil liability when acting in good faith.