Hawaii Senate Bill SB592

Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/20/23
• Refer: 1/25/23

Caption

Relating To Health.

Impact

Should SB592 be enacted, it will amend Section 334-59 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes. Specifically, the bill requires that patients admitted under emergency psychiatric circumstances who are found to lack decisional capacity will be assessed for the need for a surrogate or guardian. This adjustment in protocol aims to ensure that patients who are mentally ill or suffering from substance use disorders receive the necessary support and advocacy to make informed healthcare choices, even when they may not be in a position to do so themselves.

Summary

Senate Bill 592 aims to improve the healthcare outcomes for individuals suffering from serious mental illness or substance abuse by mandating that certain patients, upon emergency hospitalization, undergo an assessment to determine if they require a surrogate or guardian for healthcare decisions. This legislative action highlights the importance of timely and appropriate care during critical emergencies, necessitating evaluations that consider the patient's capacity to make informed decisions about their treatment options.

Contention

There may be debate regarding this bill, especially concerning the implications for patient rights and the administrative responsibilities of healthcare facilities. Critics may argue about the potential for unintended consequences in determining who qualifies as a surrogate or guardian, as well as concerns related to patients' autonomy and the safeguarding of their rights. Furthermore, the bill's implementation may require additional training for healthcare providers to ensure that assessments are conducted fairly and adequately, raising questions about resource allocation and training adequacy within healthcare systems.