Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SB943

Introduced

1/17/25

Refer

1/23/25

Caption

Relating To Health.

Impact

The implementation of SB943 is expected to enhance the care provided within these homes by ensuring that all primary caregivers are adequately trained and certified. This measure addresses the potential risks associated with having unqualified staff in positions responsible for the care of vulnerable individuals. By mandating educational and certification requirements, the bill aims to standardize the level of care received by residents, thereby promoting a safer and more consistent environment within community care settings.

Summary

SB943 aims to strengthen the qualifications of primary caregivers in community care foster family homes (CCFFHs) in Hawaii. The bill mandates that all primary caregivers serving two or three clients in a CCFFH must be certified nurse aides (CNA) or licensed nurses who have completed state-approved training. The rationale behind this legislative change is to ensure that caregivers possess the necessary skills for managing the health and wellbeing of residents who require a higher level of care according to the intermediate care facility standards. Currently, such a certification is only required for caregivers serving three clients, leaving a gap in care for those working with two clients.

Contention

Points of contention surrounding SB943 primarily focus on the implications for caregiver availability and operational costs for CCFFHs. Opponents may argue that the new requirements could further limit the pool of available caregivers, particularly in rural areas where licensed professionals may already be scarce. There are concerns that increasing regulatory burdens could make it difficult for CCFFHs to operate sustainably, potentially reducing the number of facilities available to serve the community. Supporters, however, argue that ensuring the competency of caregivers justifies these measures, as they contribute significantly to the quality of care for Hawaii's elderly population.

Additional_notes

The bill exemplifies the state's commitment to safeguarding the health of its aging population while recognizing the critical role caregivers play in community care settings. The legislative mandate reflects ongoing discussions about how best to balance regulatory requirements with the need for accessible, quality care for vulnerable individuals.