HI SB941

Requires all accident and health or sickness insurance policies issued or renewed in Hawaii to provide coverage for palliative care referred by a physician, osteopathic physician, or nurse practitioner.

Excludes accident-only, specified disease, hospital indemnity, Medicare supplement, long-term care, and other limited benefit health insurance policies from the coverage requirement.

Defines palliative care as treatment or management of symptoms (pain, difficulty breathing, fatigue, nausea, weakness, sleep difficulties, emotional distress, etc.) provided after diagnosis of a chronic or serious medical condition that interferes with daily life activities.

Allows palliative care to be provided by licensed physicians, nurses, social workers, nutritionists, naturopathic physicians, pharmacists, massage therapists, respiratory therapists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, psychologists, and other licensed providers.

Extends coverage to diagnosed patients and their caregivers, family members, and household members; applies coverage mandate across four chapters of Hawaii Revised Statutes (431:10A, 432:1, 432:2, and 432D).

Effective date: July 1, 2011.