HI HB996

Authorizes the Department of Health to recognize nationally recognized accreditation or certification organizations (such as The Joint Commission) to demonstrate skilled nursing facilities' compliance with state licensing requirements.

Allows skilled nursing facilities holding full accreditation or certification to be exempt from routine state licensing inspections on a continuing basis, provided they maintain current state licensure and submit certified copies of their accreditation reports to the department.

Permits the Department of Health to conduct inspections and investigations of exempt facilities regarding complaints, adverse accreditation findings, or periodic validation surveys.

Designates survey reports and official accreditation or certification letters as public information, while other departmental records remain subject to Hawaii's public records law (Chapter 92F).

Takes effect on July 1, 2021.