Hawaii

Discussion

Hawaii: Background Check Requirements for Healthcare Facilities

Effective July 1, 2026, Hawaii’s HB 2576 clarifies and streamlines background check requirements for healthcare facility applicants, operators, and direct patient access employees. The law distinguishes between a “fingerprint-based background check” (e.g., a one-time fingerprint search of state and FBI criminal history databases) and a “name-based background check” (e.g., a review of abuse, neglect, and criminal history records using an individual’s name and identifying information). Most individuals will now undergo a single fingerprint-based background check, with exceptions for certain licensed healthcare professionals and hospital employees, along with an initial name-based background check. Operators and direct patient access employees must also undergo a name-based background check every two years thereafter. The law permits hospitals to conduct their own name-based background checks in lieu of the state, allows background check fees to be passed on to the individuals screened, and provides good-faith immunity from civil liability for entities relying on the results. Employers and operators of healthcare facilities in Hawaii should update their screening protocols to reflect the new definitions and recurring check requirements.

 

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