Did you know?
14.5% of Hawaii's population has some form of hearing loss.
Current consumer protection action
Hawaii SB 317: This measure directs the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs to adopt the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact
Summary: This measure directs the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs to adopt rules that adopt the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact. The goal of the Compact is to:
(i) Increase public access to audiology and speech-language pathology services by providing for the mutual recognition of other member state licenses;
(ii) Enhance the ability of states to protect the public’s health and safety;
(iii) Encourage the cooperation of member states in regulating multistate audiology and speech-language pathology practice;
(iv) Support spouses of relocating active duty military personnel;
(v) Enhance the exchange of licensure, investigative, and disciplinary information among member states;
(vi) Allow a remote state to hold a provider of services with a compact privilege in that state accountable to the practice standards of that state; and
(vii) Allow for the use of telehealth technology to facilitate increased access to audiology and speech-language pathology services.
Additionally, the amended measure adds a provision that requires the department of commerce and consumer affairs to adopt rules for implementing and administering this act.
This measure takes effect December 31, 2050.
Status: 1st Chamber
Outlook: This measure has been carried over to the 2024 Legislative session.
In Hawaii, all pending legislation introduced in odd-numbered years is automatically carried over to the next legislative session. The status of the measure will be the same at the beginning of the 2024 session as it was before the adjournment of this year’s session.
The February 10 amendment substitutes non-substantive language and adds a provision that requires the department of commerce and consumer affairs to adopt rules for implementing and administering this measure.
Hawaii SB 609: This measure requires health insurance policies to provide a minimum of $1,500 coverage per hearing aid
Summary: This measure requires health insurance policies and contracts issued on or after January 1, 2024, to provide coverage for the cost of hearing aids at a minimum of $1,500 per hearing aid for each hearing-impaired ear every thirty-six months.
Hearing aids purchased covered under this measure will be subject to a minimum benefit of $1,500 per hearing—impaired ear every thirty—six months. A member covered under their plan may choose a hearing aid that is priced higher than the benefit payable under this section without financial or contractual penalty to the provider of the hearing aid.
This measure is effective January 1, 2024.
Status: 2nd Chamber
Outlook: This measure has been carried over to the 2024 Legislative session.
In Hawaii, all pending legislation introduced in odd-numbered years is automatically carried over to the next legislative session. The status of the measure will be the same at the beginning of the 2024 session as it was before the adjournment of this year’s session.
The February 8 amendments makes nonsubstantive technical changes.
Past consumer protection action
January 20, 2022. Hawaii Attorney General urges FDA to preserve state protections of over-the-counter hearing aids.
“Attorney General Shikada said: 'Although we support more affordable and accessible options for hearing aids, it shouldn’t be at the expense of the public’s safety and well-being. It is key to maintain the State’s ability to regulate hearing professional licensing requirements, so the people of Hawai‘i have important protections for its hearing aid consumers.'”
January 14, 2022. NAAG Responds to FDA’s Comment Request on New Over-The-Counter Hearing Aid Rules.
“In response to a request for comments from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding new rules regulating over-the-counter hearing aids, NAAG submitted comments encouraging the FDA to take the below steps to ensure that states maintain a role as regulators in this emerging market.”
Latest 2023 legislative news
SB 2022. Sponsor: Senator Jarrett Keohokalole (D)
This measure alters the hearing and vision program at schools. It removes the original text laying out the purpose of the program while also removing technical language in regards to the requirements for the resources needed to implement the plan.
The measure introduces amended language to simplify the purpose of the program but now adds in that the department of health sets new standards such as protocol for evidence-based hearing and vision screening, including ages or grades for screening, screening tools, instruments, and criteria for screening. The Department will also be required to create standards for the training, certification, and qualifications of personnel who conduct the screenings, and how the program will have to collect and report data.
SB 2439. Sponsor: Rep. Joy San Buenaventura (D)
This measure requires policies and contracts to provide certain coverage for the costs of hearing aids.
This measure will take effect on July 1, 2022.
HB 986. Sponsor: Rep. Scott Saiki (D)
This measure amends the newborn hearing screening statute to mandate reporting of diagnostic audiologic evaluation results to improve hearing follow-up of infants. This measure also updates definitions and terminology.
This measure is applicable to audiology screenings.