HI HCR117

Urges the Department of Health to foster a more supportive regulatory structure and environment for licensed or certified care facilities, including adult residential care homes, expanded adult residential care homes, and community care foster family homes.

Requests the Department amend its administrative rules where applicable to create a less intimidating and punitive regulatory atmosphere that encourages mutual cooperation with facility operators.

Directs the Department to be more proactive in providing training and consultation to operators and staff of licensed adult residential care homes and expanded adult residential care homes pursuant to Hawaii Revised Statutes sections 321-15.6 and 321-15.62.

Encourages the Department to offer educational and outreach activities to all licensed or certified care facilities designed to promote and enhance compliance with regulations.

Notes that Hawaii's population aged 65 and older grew from 7.9 percent in 1980 to 17.1 percent in 2016 and is expected to continue rising, creating increased demand for long-term care options.