HI HB997

Authorizes the Hawaii Department of Health to recognize nationally recognized accreditation or certification organizations beyond The Joint Commission to demonstrate hospital compliance with state licensing inspections.

Permits hospitals accredited or certified by qualifying organizations (including the Accreditation Association for Hospitals and Health Systems, Center for Improvement in Healthcare Quality, and DNV GL Healthcare) to be exempted from licensing inspections during the accreditation or certification term.

Requires hospitals seeking exemption to provide the department with certified copies of their official accreditation or certification reports and maintain current, valid state licenses.

Allows the department to conduct inspections and investigations of exempt hospitals to investigate complaints, follow up on adverse accreditation findings, or conduct periodic validation surveys.

Takes effect on July 1, 2021.