HI HR56

Department of Health requested to convene a Stakeholder Working Group including health care providers, insurers, community-based organizations, language service providers, and the Healthcare Association of Hawaii.

Working Group to study and assess language access in health care settings across the State and each island, including experiences of limited English proficient (LEP) populations, existing services, disparities, use of family interpreters, interpreter availability, and medical interpretation requirements.

Working Group to make recommendations to enhance meaningful access to health care for individuals requiring language assistance services.

Department of Health must submit a report with the Working Group's study, findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2025.

Resolution notes that 25.9 percent of Hawaii residents aged five years and older speak a language other than English at home, and language barriers contribute to decreased quality of care and poor clinical outcomes.