SB 2089: DHS; Medicaid; Prospective Payment System; Reimbursement; Mental Health Services; Mental Health Professionals; Rules
- Session Year: 2025-2026
- House: Senate
- Latest Version Date: 2026-04-10
Current Status:
Failed
(2026-05-01: Conference Committee Meeting will reconvene on Friday 05-01-26 5:05PM in conference room 329.)
Introduced
In Committee
First Chamber
In Committee
Second Chamber
Final Decking
Enacted
What does this bill do?
Expands Medicaid's prospective payment system to allow payment for mental health services at federally qualified health centers and rural health clinics when those services are provided by trainees or other mental health professionals under the clinical supervision of a licensed mental health professional (a state‑licensed clinician), affecting Medicaid patients and those clinics. The bill directs the Department of Human Services to adopt rules requiring trainees be enrolled in accredited programs, sets supervision standards (including weekly supervision, live observation, and chart review), requires patient notice and the option to request a licensed provider, and makes implementation subject to federal approval.
The summary is provided by generative AI which can make mistakes. For original language, please view the details in the table below.
Expands the services eligible for Medicaid Prospective Payment System reimbursement to include certain services furnished by a federally qualified health center or rural health clinic and provided by mental health professionals under the clinical supervision of a licensed mental health professional. Requires the Department of Human Services to adopt rules for this purpose and seek federal approvals as necessary. Specifies that implementation is contingent upon and only to the extent approved by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)
Expands the services eligible for Medicaid Prospective Payment System reimbursement to include certain services furnished by a federally qualified health center or rural health clinic and provided by mental health professionals under the clinical supervision of a licensed mental health professional. Requires the Department of Human Services to adopt rules for this purpose and seek federal approvals as necessary. Specifies that implementation is contingent upon and only to the extent approved by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Expands the services eligible for Medicaid Prospective Payment System reimbursement to include certain services furnished by a federally qualified health center or rural health clinic and provided by mental health professionals under the clinical supervision of a licensed mental health professional. Requires the Department of Human Services to adopt rules to allow medical assistance reimbursement payments for services provided to recipients eligible for Medicaid benefits under any plan under Medicaid managed care programs in the State by unlicensed mental health professionals under the clinical supervision of a licensed mental health professional. Requires the Department of Human Services to seek necessary waivers and any additional approvals from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Effective 1/30/2050. Implementation begins 7/1/2028 after approval by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. (SD1)
Expands the services eligible for Medicaid Prospective Payment System reimbursement to include certain services furnished by a federally qualified health center or rural health clinic and provided by mental health professionals under the clinical supervision of a licensed mental health professional. Requires the Department of Human Services to adopt rules to allow medical assistance reimbursement payments for services provided to recipients eligible for Medicaid benefits under any plan under Medicaid managed care programs in the State by unlicensed mental health professionals under the clinical supervision of a licensed mental health professional. Requires the Department of Human Services to seek necessary waivers and any additional approvals from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
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THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
2089 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
S.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
H.D. 2 |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO MENTAL HEALTH.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
The legislature finds that enabling supervised pre-licensed mental health professionals to serve medicaid beneficiaries will increase the number of qualified providers available to low‑income individuals and families, help reduce waitlists, and fill critical gaps in the behavioral health system. The legislature also finds that medicaid reimbursement will provide needed income stability for pre-licensed mental health professionals, who often cannot bill insurance while completing required clinical hours, and lead to a stronger mental health care workforce pipeline in the State.
The legislature further finds that expanding medicaid prospective payment system reimbursement to services provided by supervised pre‑licensed mental health professionals promotes mental health equity by ensuring financial status does not impede access to necessary services. Additionally, working with medicaid populations provides valuable training and professional development opportunities for early-career mental health professionals, contributing to a more skilled and culturally responsive mental health workforce.
Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to:
(1) Expand the services eligible for medicaid prospective payment system reimbursement to include certain services furnished by a federally qualified health center or rural health clinic and provided by mental health professionals under the clinical supervision of a licensed mental health professional; and
(2) Require the department of human services to adopt rules for this purpose.
SECTION 2. Section 346-53.64, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (a) to read as follows:
"(a) Services eligible for prospective payment system reimbursement are those services that are furnished by a federally qualified health center or rural health clinic that are:
(1) Within the legal authority of a federally qualified health center to deliver, as defined in section 1905 of the Social Security Act;
(2) Actually provided by the federally qualified health center, either directly or under arrangements;
(3) Covered benefits under the medicaid program, as defined in section 4231 of the State Medicaid Manual and the Hawaii medicaid state plan;
(4) Provided to a recipient eligible for medicaid benefits;
(5) Delivered exclusively by health care professionals,
including [physicians,
physician's]:
(A) Physicians,
physician assistants, [nurse practitioners,] advanced
practice registered nurses, nurse midwives, clinical social workers,
clinical psychologists, and other persons acting within the lawful scope of
their license or certificate to provide services; or
(B) Mental health professionals, as defined in section 577-29; provided that the mental health professional shall be under the clinical supervision of a licensed mental health professional, as defined in section 577-29;
(6) Provided at the federally qualified health center's practice site, a hospital emergency room, in an inpatient setting, at the patient's place of residence, including long term care facilities, or at another medical facility; and
(7) Within the scope of services provided by the State under its fee-for-service medicaid program and its medicaid managed care program, on and after August 1994, and as amended from time to time."
SECTION 3. The department of human services shall adopt rules pursuant to chapter 91, Hawaii Revised Statutes, to allow medical assistance reimbursement payments to medicaid beneficiaries covered by a health plan under the State's medicaid managed care program for services provided by a mental health professional under the clinical supervision of a licensed mental health professional. The rules shall:
(1) Require that the mental health professional be enrolled in an accredited bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree behavioral health training program;
(2) Establish supervision standards that recognize:
(A) Supervision competence is a distinct professional competency that requires targeted education, training, and experience and an ongoing process of maintenance of competence in the competency domains being supervised; and
(B) Quality supervision requires regular, documented, and competency-based supervision that prioritizes patient safety, ethical practice, and professional growth, which includes a minimum of mandatory weekly training meetings, frequent live observation of clinical work, review of charting and documentation, and adherence to state licensing and insurance regulations;
(3) Require that the beneficiary is notified of the mental health professional's qualifications and the supervisory relationship between the mental health professional and the licensed mental health professional; and
(4) Require that the beneficiary be allowed to request that services be provided by a fully licensed professional or the supervising licensed mental health professional and that the request be honored.
For the purposes of this section, "licensed mental health professional" and "mental health professional" have the same meanings as those terms are defined in section 577-29, Hawaii Revised Statutes.
SECTION 4. The department of human services shall seek waivers and any additional approvals from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services necessary to implement this Act.
SECTION 5. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 6. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000; provided that sections 2 and 3 of this Act shall take effect upon approval and be enforceable only to the extent approved by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
Report Title:
DHS; Medicaid; Prospective Payment System; Reimbursement; Mental Health Services; Mental Health Professionals; Rules
Description:
Expands the services eligible for Medicaid Prospective Payment System reimbursement to include certain services furnished by a federally qualified health center or rural health clinic and provided by mental health professionals under the clinical supervision of a licensed mental health professional. Requires the Department of Human Services to adopt rules for this purpose and seek federal approvals as necessary. Specifies that implementation is contingent upon and only to the extent approved by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
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THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
2089 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
S.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
H.D. 1 |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO MENTAL HEALTH.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
The legislature finds that enabling supervised pre-licensed mental health professionals to serve medicaid beneficiaries will increase the number of qualified providers available to low‑income individuals and families, help reduce waitlists, and fill critical gaps in the behavioral health system. The legislature also finds that medicaid reimbursement will provide needed income stability for pre-licensed mental health professionals, who often cannot bill insurance while completing required clinical hours, and lead to a stronger mental health care workforce pipeline in the State.
The legislature further finds that expanding medicaid prospective payment system reimbursement to services provided by supervised pre‑licensed mental health professionals promotes mental health equity by ensuring financial status does not impede access to necessary services. Additionally, working with medicaid populations provides valuable training and professional development opportunities for early-career mental health professionals, contributing to a more skilled and culturally responsive mental health workforce.
Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to:
(1) Expand the services eligible for medicaid prospective payment system reimbursement to include certain services furnished by a federally qualified health center or rural health clinic and provided by mental health professionals under the clinical supervision of a licensed mental health professional; and
(2) Require the department of human services to adopt rules for this purpose.
SECTION 2. Section 346-53.64, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (a) to read as follows:
"(a) Services eligible for prospective payment system reimbursement are those services that are furnished by a federally qualified health center or rural health clinic that are:
(1) Within the legal authority of a federally qualified health center to deliver, as defined in section 1905 of the Social Security Act;
(2) Actually provided by the federally qualified health center, either directly or under arrangements;
(3) Covered benefits under the medicaid program, as defined in section 4231 of the State Medicaid Manual and the Hawaii medicaid state plan;
(4) Provided to a recipient eligible for medicaid benefits;
(5) Delivered exclusively by health care professionals,
including [physicians,]:
(A) Physicians, physician's assistants, nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, clinical social workers, clinical psychologists, and other persons acting within the lawful scope of their license or certificate to provide services; or
(B) Mental health professionals, as defined in section 577-29; provided that the mental health professional shall be under the clinical supervision of a licensed mental health professional, as defined in section 577-29;
(6) Provided at the federally qualified health center's practice site, a hospital emergency room, in an inpatient setting, at the patient's place of residence, including long term care facilities, or at another medical facility; and
(7) Within the scope of services provided by the State under its fee-for-service medicaid program and its medicaid managed care program, on and after August 1994, and as amended from time to time."
SECTION 3. The department of human services shall adopt rules pursuant to chapter 91, Hawaii Revised Statutes, to allow medical assistance reimbursement payments to medicaid beneficiaries covered by a health plan under the State's medicaid managed care program for services provided by a mental health professional under the clinical supervision of a licensed mental health professional.
For the purposes of this section, "mental health professional" and "licensed mental health professional" have the same meanings as those terms are defined in section 577-29, Hawaii Revised Statutes.
SECTION 4. The department of human services shall seek waivers and any additional approvals from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services necessary to implement this Act.
SECTION 5. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 6. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000; provided that sections 2 and 3 of this Act shall take effect upon approval and enforceable only to the extent approved by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
Report Title:
DHS; Medicaid; Prospective Payment System; Reimbursement; Mental Health Services; Mental Health Professionals; Rules
Description:
Expands the services eligible for Medicaid Prospective Payment System reimbursement to include certain services furnished by a federally qualified health center or rural health clinic and provided by mental health professionals under the clinical supervision of a licensed mental health professional. Requires the Department of Human Services to adopt rules for this purpose and seek federal approvals as necessary. Specifies that implementation is contingent upon and only to the extent approved by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
|
THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
2089 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
S.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO MENTAL HEALTH.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
The legislature finds that enabling supervised pre-licensed mental health professionals to serve medicaid recipients will increase the number of qualified providers available to low‑income individuals and families, help reduce waitlists, and fill critical gaps in the behavioral health care system. The legislature also finds that medicaid reimbursement will provide needed income stability for pre-licensed mental health professionals, who often cannot bill insurance while completing required clinical hours, and lead to a stronger mental health care workforce pipeline in the State.
The legislature further finds that expanding medicaid prospective payment system reimbursement to services provided by supervised pre‑licensed mental health professionals promotes mental health equity by ensuring financial status does not impede access to necessary services. Additionally, working with medicaid populations provides valuable training and professional development opportunities for early-career mental health professionals, contributing to a more skilled and culturally responsive mental health workforce.
Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to:
(1) Expand the services eligible for medicaid prospective payment system reimbursement to include certain services furnished by a federally qualified health center or rural health clinic and provided by mental health professionals under the clinical supervision of a licensed mental health professional; and
(2) Require the department of human services to adopt rules to allow medical assistance reimbursement payments for services provided to recipients eligible for medicaid benefits under any plan under medicaid managed care programs in the State by unlicensed mental health professionals under the clinical supervision of a licensed mental health professional.
SECTION 2. Section 346-53.64, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (a) to read as follows:
"(a) Services eligible for prospective payment system reimbursement are those services that are furnished by a federally qualified health center or rural health clinic that are:
(1) Within the legal authority of a federally qualified health center to deliver, as defined in section 1905 of the Social Security Act;
(2) Actually provided by the federally qualified health center, either directly or under arrangements;
(3) Covered benefits under the medicaid program, as defined in section 4231 of the State Medicaid Manual and the Hawaii medicaid state plan;
(4) Provided to a recipient eligible for medicaid benefits;
(5) Delivered exclusively by health care professionals,
including [physicians,]:
(A) Physicians, physician's assistants, nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, clinical social workers, clinical psychologists, and other persons acting within the lawful scope of their license or certificate to provide services; or
(B) Mental health professionals, as defined in section 577-29; provided that the mental health professional shall be under the clinical supervision of a licensed mental health professional, as defined in section 577-29;
(6) Provided at the federally qualified health center's practice site, a hospital emergency room, in an inpatient setting, at the patient's place of residence, including long term care facilities, or at another medical facility; and
(7) Within the scope of services provided by the State under its fee-for-service medicaid program and its medicaid managed care program, on and after August 1994, and as amended from time to time."
SECTION 3. The department of human services shall adopt rules pursuant to chapter 91, Hawaii Revised Statutes, to allow medical assistance reimbursement payments to recipients who are eligible for medicaid benefits under any plan under medicaid managed care programs in the State by a mental health professional under the clinical supervision of a licensed mental health professional.
For the purposes of this section, "mental health professional" and "licensed mental health professional" have the same meanings as those terms are defined in section 577-29, Hawaii Revised Statutes.
SECTION 4. The department of human services shall seek waivers and any additional approvals from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services necessary to implement this Act.
SECTION 5. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 6. This Act shall take effect on January 30, 2050; provided that sections 2 and 3 of this Act shall take effect on July 1, 2028, after approval by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
Report Title:
DHS; Medicaid; Prospective Payment System; Reimbursement; Mental Health Services; Mental Health Professionals; Rules
Description:
Expands the services eligible for Medicaid Prospective Payment System reimbursement to include certain services furnished by a federally qualified health center or rural health clinic and provided by mental health professionals under the clinical supervision of a licensed mental health professional. Requires the Department of Human Services to adopt rules to allow medical assistance reimbursement payments for services provided to recipients eligible for Medicaid benefits under any plan under Medicaid managed care programs in the State by unlicensed mental health professionals under the clinical supervision of a licensed mental health professional. Requires the Department of Human Services to seek necessary waivers and any additional approvals from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Effective 1/30/2050. Implementation begins 7/1/2028 after approval by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. (SD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
|
THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
2089 |
|
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
relating to mental health.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
The legislature finds that enabling supervised pre-licensed mental health professionals to serve medicaid recipients will increase the number of qualified providers available to low‑income individuals and families, help reduce waitlists, and fill critical gaps in the behavioral health system. The legislature also finds that medicaid reimbursement will provide needed income stability for pre-licensed mental health professionals, who often cannot bill insurance while completing required clinical hours, and lead to a stronger mental health care workforce pipeline in the State.
The legislature further finds that expanding medicaid prospective payment system reimbursement to services provided by supervised pre‑licensed mental health professionals promotes mental health equity by ensuring financial status does not impede access to necessary services. Additionally, working with medicaid populations provides valuable training and professional development opportunities for early-career mental health professionals, contributing to a more skilled and culturally responsive mental health workforce.
Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to:
(1) Expand the services eligible for medicaid prospective payment system reimbursement to include certain services furnished by a federally qualified health center or rural health clinic and provided by mental health professionals under the clinical supervision of a licensed mental health professional; and
(2) Require the department of human services to adopt rules to allow medical assistance reimbursement payments for services provided to recipients eligible for medicaid benefits under any plan under medicaid managed care programs in the State by unlicensed mental health professionals under the clinical supervision of a licensed mental health professional.
SECTION 2. Section 346-53.64, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (a) to read as follows:
"(a) Services eligible for prospective payment system reimbursement are those services that are furnished by a federally qualified health center or rural health clinic that are:
(1) Within the legal authority of a federally qualified health center to deliver, as defined in section 1905 of the Social Security Act;
(2) Actually provided by the federally qualified health center, either directly or under arrangements;
(3) Covered benefits under the medicaid program, as defined in section 4231 of the State Medicaid Manual and the Hawaii medicaid state plan;
(4) Provided to a recipient eligible for medicaid benefits;
(5) Delivered exclusively by health care professionals,
including [physicians,]:
(A) Physicians, physician's assistants, nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, clinical social workers, clinical psychologists, and other persons acting within the lawful scope of their license or certificate to provide services; or
(B) Mental health professionals, as defined in section 577-29; provided that the mental health professional shall be under the clinical supervision of a licensed mental health professional, as defined in section 577-29;
(6) Provided at the federally qualified health center's practice site, a hospital emergency room, in an inpatient setting, at the patient's place of residence, including long term care facilities, or at another medical facility; and
(7) Within the scope of services provided by the State under its fee-for-service medicaid program and its medicaid managed care program, on and after August 1994, and as amended from time to time."
SECTION 3. The department of human services shall adopt rules pursuant to chapter 91, Hawaii Revised Statutes, to allow medical assistance reimbursement payments to recipients who are eligible for medicaid benefits under any plan under medicaid managed care programs in the State by a mental health professional under the clinical supervision of a licensed mental health professional.
For the purposes of this section, "mental health professional" and "licensed mental health professional" have the same meanings as those terms are defined in section 577-29, Hawaii Revised Statutes.
SECTION 4. The department of human services shall seek waivers and any additional approvals from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services necessary to implement this Act.
SECTION 5. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 6. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2026; provided that sections 2 and 3 of this Act shall take effect upon approval by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
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INTRODUCED BY: |
_____________________________ |
Report Title:
DHS; Medicaid; Prospective Payment System; Reimbursement; Mental Health Services; Mental Health Professionals; Rules
Description:
Expands the services eligible for Medicaid Prospective Payment System reimbursement to include certain services furnished by a federally qualified health center or rural health clinic and provided by mental health professionals under the clinical supervision of a licensed mental health professional. Requires the Department of Human Services to adopt rules to allow medical assistance reimbursement payments for services provided to recipients eligible for Medicaid benefits under any plan under Medicaid managed care programs in the State by unlicensed mental health professionals under the clinical supervision of a licensed mental health professional. Requires the Department of Human Services to seek necessary waivers and any additional approvals from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
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Date
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Status
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|---|---|
| May 1, 2026 | Conference Committee Meeting will reconvene on Friday 05-01-26 5:05PM in conference room 329. |
| Apr 30, 2026 | Conference Committee Meeting will reconvene on Friday 05-01-26 1:45PM in conference room 329. |
| Apr 27, 2026 | Bill scheduled for Conference Committee Meeting on Thursday, 04-30-26 1:45PM in conference room 329. |
| Apr 22, 2026 | Received notice of Senate conferees (Sen. Com. No. 723). |
| Apr 22, 2026 | Senate Conferees Appointed: San Buenaventura Chair; Kanuha Co-Chair; McKelvey. |
| Apr 20, 2026 | Received notice of appointment of House conferees (Hse. Com. No. 787). |
| Apr 20, 2026 | House Conferees Appointed: Marten, Matayoshi, Keohokapu-Lee Loy Co-Chairs; Olds, Alcos. |
| Apr 20, 2026 | Re-referred to HSH, CPC, FIN, referral sheet 30 |
| Apr 16, 2026 | Received notice of disagreement (Sen. Com. No. 710). |
| Apr 16, 2026 | Senate disagrees with House amendments. |
| Apr 16, 2026 | Received from House (Hse. Com. No. 620). |
| Apr 14, 2026 | Passed Third Reading as amended in HD 2 with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and none excused (0). Transmitted to Senate. |
| Apr 10, 2026 | Forty-eight (48) hours notice Tuesday, 04-14-26. |
| Apr 10, 2026 | Reported from CPC (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 2119-26) as amended in HD 2, recommending passage on Third Reading. |
| Apr 9, 2026 | The committee on CPC recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes were as follows: 11 Ayes: Representative(s) Matayoshi, Grandinetti, Chun, Ilagan, Ichiyama, Iwamoto, Kong, Lowen, Marten, Tam, Pierick; Ayes with reservations: none; 0 Noes: none; and 0 Excused: none. |
| Apr 7, 2026 | Bill scheduled for decision making on Thursday, 04-09-26 2:00PM in conference room 329 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Mar 31, 2026 | The committee(s) on CPC recommend(s) that the measure be deferred. |
| Mar 27, 2026 | Bill scheduled to be heard by CPC on Tuesday, 03-31-26 2:05PM in House conference room 329 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Mar 25, 2026 | Passed Second Reading as amended in HD 1 and referred to the committee(s) on CPC with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and Representative(s) Matsumoto, Perruso excused (2). |
| Mar 25, 2026 | Reported from HSH (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1402-26) as amended in HD 1, recommending passage on Second Reading and referral to CPC. |
| Mar 19, 2026 | The committee on HSH recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes were as follows: 9 Ayes: Representative(s) Marten, Olds, Hartsfield, Keohokapu-Lee Loy, Takayama, Takenouchi, Alcos, Garcia; Ayes with reservations: Representative(s) Amato; Noes: none; and Excused: none. |
| Mar 17, 2026 | Bill scheduled to be heard by HSH on Thursday, 03-19-26 9:30AM in House conference room 329 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Mar 12, 2026 | Referred to HSH, CPC, referral sheet 17 |
| Mar 12, 2026 | Pass First Reading |
| Mar 10, 2026 | Received from Senate (Sen. Com. No. 165) in amended form (SD 1). |
| Mar 10, 2026 | Report adopted; Passed Third Reading. Ayes, 25; Aye(s) with reservations: none . Noes, 0 (none). Excused, 0 (none). Transmitted to House. |
| Mar 6, 2026 | One Day Notice 03-10-26. |
| Mar 6, 2026 | Reported from WAM (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 2904) with recommendation of passage on Third Reading. |
| Mar 4, 2026 | The committee(s) on WAM recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes in WAM were as follows: 12 Aye(s): Senator(s) Dela Cruz, Moriwaki, DeCoite, Elefante, Hashimoto, Inouye, Kanuha, Kidani, Kim, Lee, C., Richards, Wakai; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 1 Excused: Senator(s) Fevella. |
| Mar 2, 2026 | The committee(s) on WAM will hold a public decision making on 03-04-26 10:31AM; Conference Room 211 & Videoconference. |
| Feb 11, 2026 | Report adopted; Passed Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referred to WAM. |
| Feb 11, 2026 | Reported from HHS (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 2196) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referral to WAM. |
| Feb 2, 2026 | The committee(s) on HHS recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in HHS were as follows: 5 Aye(s): Senator(s) San Buenaventura, McKelvey, Kanuha, Keohokalole, Fevella; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 0 Excused: none. |
| Jan 30, 2026 | The committee(s) on HHS has scheduled a public hearing on 02-02-26 1:05PM; Conference Room 225 & Videoconference. |
| Jan 22, 2026 | Referred to HHS, WAM. |
| Jan 21, 2026 | Introduced and passed First Reading. |
| Jan 14, 2026 | Pending Introduction. |
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Date
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Description
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Location
|
Votes
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|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 14, 2026 | Third Reading | House Floor |
Passed |
|
| Apr 9, 2026 | The committee on CPC recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | House Standing Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce |
Passed |
|
| Mar 19, 2026 | The committee on HSH recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | House Standing Committee on Human Services & Homelessness |
Passed |
|
| Mar 10, 2026 | Third Reading | Senate Floor |
Passed |
|
| Mar 4, 2026 | The committee(s) on WAM recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED | Senate Standing Committee on Ways and Means |
Passed |
|
| Feb 2, 2026 | The committee(s) on HHS recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | Senate Standing Committee on Health and Human Services |
Passed |
This list shows positions taken on this bill by organizations on the date displayed, which is linked to the original source.
Positions by individuals are not included.
|
Organization
|
Position
|
Date
|
|---|---|---|
| Akahai Emotional Wellness, LLC | *** Support | Mar 31, 2026 |
| AlohaCare | *** Support | Mar 31, 2026 |
| Office of Hawaiian Affairs | *** Support | Mar 31, 2026 |
| State Council on Mental Health | *** Support | Mar 31, 2026 |
| State Health Planning and Development Agency | ** Support | |
| Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center | *** Support | Mar 19, 2026 |
STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2904
Honolulu, Hawaii
RE: S.B. No. 2089
S.D. 1
Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi
President of the Senate
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2026
State of Hawaii
Sir:
Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred S.B. No. 2089, S.D. 1, entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO MENTAL HEALTH,"
begs leave to report as follows:
The purpose and intent of this measure is to address the State's behavioral health workforce shortage and to facilitate the timely provision of mental health services for Medicaid beneficiaries.
Specifically the measure:
(1) Expands the services eligible for Medicaid prospective payment system reimbursement to include certain services furnished by a federally qualified health center or rural health clinic and provided by a mental health professional under the clinical supervision of a licensed mental health professional;
(2) Provides that the term "mental health professional" in this context has the same meaning as defined in section 577‑29, Hawaii Revised Statutes; and
(3) Requires the Department of Human Services to:
(A) Adopt rules, pursuant to chapter 91, Hawaii Revised Statutes, to allow medical assistance reimbursement payments for services provided to recipients eligible for Medicaid benefits under any plan under Medicaid managed care programs in the State by unlicensed mental health professionals under the clinical supervision of a licensed mental health professional; and
(B) Seek waivers and any additional approvals from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services as necessary to implement the measure.
Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the State Health Planning and Development Agency, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, and two individuals.
Your Committee received written comments on this measure from the Department of Human Services, Hawaii State Center for Nursing, Aloha Independent Living Hawaii, and Hawaii Medical Association.
Your Committee finds that the State's severe shortage of licensed mental health professionals has resulted in long waitlists for mental health services and significant barriers to accessing mental health care for Medicaid beneficiaries. Your Committee also finds that pre-licensed mental health professionals often cannot bill insurance providers while completing the supervised clinical hours required to become a licensed mental health professional. Your Committee recognizes that allowing these pre‑licensed and trainee mental health professionals to provide services under the supervision of licensed mental health professionals, and ensuring these services are eligible for Medicaid prospective payment system reimbursement, will help support the State's mental health workforce pipeline, provide valuable experience for new mental health professionals, and ensure more timely access to mental health care.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2089, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,
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________________________________ DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair |
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STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2196
Honolulu, Hawaii
RE: S.B. No. 2089
S.D. 1
Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi
President of the Senate
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2026
State of Hawaii
Sir:
Your Committee on Health and Human Services, to which was referred S.B. No. 2089 entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO MENTAL HEALTH,"
begs leave to report as follows:
The purpose and intent of this measure is to:
(1) Expand the services eligible for Medicaid Prospective Payment System reimbursement to include certain services furnished by a Federally Qualified Health Center or rural health clinic and provided by mental health professionals under the clinical supervision of a licensed mental health professional;
(2) Require the Department of Human Services to adopt rules to allow medical assistance reimbursement payments for services provided to recipients eligible for Medicaid benefits under any plan under Medicaid managed care programs in the State by unlicensed mental health professionals under the clinical supervision of a licensed mental health professional; and
(3) Require the Department of Human Services to seek necessary waivers and any additional approvals from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the State Health Planning and Development Agency, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, and one individual.
Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Human Services and Hawaii Medical Association.
Your Committee finds that the Med-QUEST program, which is the State's Medical program, currently allows unlicensed mental health trainees and pre‑licensed providers to deliver services that may be reimbursed at prospective payment system rates when appropriate supervision requirements are met, including circumstances in which the licensed clinician is engaged with the patient for key portions of the visit. Your Committee further finds that this approach has long-standing alignment with federal expectations and has supported care access in community settings. This measure reinforces operational consistency and reduces ambiguity for clinics by placing this framework more clearly into state policy.
Your Committee has amended this measure by:
(1) Inserting an implementation date of July 1, 2028;
(2) Inserting an effective date of January 30, 2050, to encourage further discussion; and
(3) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity and consistency.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Health and Human Services that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2089, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 2089, S.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Health and Human Services,
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________________________________ JOY A. SAN BUENAVENTURA, Chair |
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Date
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Testimony PDF
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| Mar 31, 2026 | SB2089_HD1_TESTIMONY_CPC_03-31-26_.PDF |
| Mar 19, 2026 | SB2089_SD1_TESTIMONY_HSH-HLT_03-19-26_.PDF |
| Mar 3, 2026 | SB2089_SD1_TESTIMONY_WAM_03-04-26_.PDF |
| Feb 2, 2026 | SB2089_TESTIMONY_HHS_02-02-26_.PDF |
Discussed in Hearing
4MIN
Conference Committee
3MIN
Conference Committee
29SEC
Conference Committee
1MIN
House Standing Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce
5MIN
House Standing Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce
1MIN
House Standing Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce
8MIN
House Standing Committee on Health
8MIN
House Standing Committee on Human Services & Homelessness
Bill Author
