Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SB545

Introduced
1/20/23  
Refer
1/25/23  
Introduced
1/20/23  
Report Pass
2/15/24  
Refer
1/25/23  
Report Pass
2/15/24  

Caption

Relating To Human Services.

Impact

The legislation is set to expand operational capacity for community care foster family homes, enabling them to cater to a larger number of individuals requiring Medicaid services. With this amendment, the bill aims to address the increasing demand for community-based care options, ultimately impacting the availability of services for residents needing assisted living conditions. Additionally, it mandates a report from the Department of Health to ensure ongoing assessment and oversight of these homes.

Summary

SB545 proposes amendments to the definition of 'community care foster family home' within Hawaii Revised Statutes, enhancing the provisions related to care for Medicaid recipients. The bill allows for an additional Medicaid individual to be cared for in these homes, provided certain conditions are met. The primary goal is to accommodate more individuals at the nursing facility level of care in community settings, promoting a more inclusive approach to healthcare services for vulnerable populations.

Sentiment

General sentiment around SB545 appears to be supportive among proponents of expanded care accessibility, particularly advocates for Medicaid services. They see it as a positive step towards enhancing community care options and improving quality of life for seniors and disabled individuals. Conversely, concerns may arise regarding the adequacy of resources and oversight for these additional placements, suggesting a need for careful implementation to safeguard against potential quality control issues.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the qualifications required for caregivers in these settings and the regulatory oversight that follows the expansion of Medicaid patients in community care foster family homes. Discussions might arise on whether increasing the number of Medicaid patients could stretch existing resources and affect the quality of care provided. Critics may question if the current structure is robust enough to support this growth without compromising care standards.

Companion Bills

HI SB545

Carry Over Relating To Human Services.

Similar Bills

MS HB1565

Medicaid; seek federal waiver to provide for presumptive eligibility for persons who need mental health or substance use disorder services.

NJ S1198

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MS HB1597

Medicaid; seek federal waiver for plan to allow Medicaid coverage for persons described in the federal Affordable Care Act.

NJ A4049

Provides for presumptive eligibility for home and community-based services and services provided through program of all-inclusive care for the elderly under Medicaid.

NJ S3495

Provides for presumptive eligibility for home and community-based services and services provided through program of all-inclusive care for the elderly under Medicaid.

NJ A3110

Establishes minimum Medicaid reimbursement rates for brain injury services.

NJ S2049

Establishes minimum Medicaid reimbursement rates for brain injury services.

HI SCR119

Requesting The Department Of Health And Department Of Human Services To: Jointly Review Any Research Applied Behavior Analysis For Adults; Develop And Adopt Rules, Policies, And Plan Amendments Necessary To Ensure That The State Medicaid Program Covers Medically Necessary Services, Including Applied Behavior Analysis Services, For Individuals Aged Twenty-one And Older With Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Including Autism Spectrum Disorder; And Apply For Any Necessary Approvals From The Federal Centers For Medicare And Medicaid Services To Amend The State Medicaid Plan To Provide Reimbursements For Medically Necessary Services, Including Applied Behavior Analysis Services, To Medicaid-eligible Persons Over The Age Of Twenty-one Diagnosed With Autism Spectrum Disorder.