State Health Planning and Development Agency Amendment

Hawaii HB2319 amends Chapter 323D HRS to modify the functions and responsibilities of the State Health Planning and Development Agency. The bill adds a definition of "health care," increases the bed change exemption threshold to 30% of existing licensed bed types, and exempts the Department of Health from certificate of need requirements.

Hawaii HB2297 Updates Adult Education Framework

Hawaii passed HB2297 on March 10, 2026, updating the state's statutory framework for adult and community education programs. The bill, sponsored by Representative Nadine Nakamura, aligns state programs with federal funding requirements and incorporates current best practices. The legislation becomes effective July 31, 2055.

Human Trafficking Awareness Training for Transient Accommodations

Hawaii HB1960 was passed by the House on March 10, 2026, requiring the Department of the Attorney General to develop a Human Trafficking Awareness Training Program for workers in the transient accommodations sector. Transient accommodations employers and third-party contractors must provide periodic training to employees, maintain training records, post signage, and implement human trafficking prevention policies with reporting procedures. Penalties are established for non-compliance.

Healthcare Education Loan Repayment Program Codification

The Hawaii House of Representatives passed HB1574, formally codifying the Healthcare Education Loan Repayment Program into state law. The bill requires participants who receive new awards on or after July 1, 2027, to remain and work in Hawaii for a specified number of years based on the amount of financial assistance received. The measure passed the House with 48 aye votes and no opposition, then cleared the Senate committees on EDU, HHS, and WAM before final passage.

Updates to State Emergency Response Departments and Divisions

Colorado Governor signed HB26-1252 into law on April 6, 2026, updating state entities responsible for emergency response situations. The bill passed the House 52-7 and was referred to the Senate State, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee. Three amendments (L.001, L.002, L.003) were adopted during the legislative process, reflecting collaborative drafting among Republican and Democratic sponsors.

Orthalign Drill Plate Recall - Bone Cuts Exceed Specification

FDA issued a Class II medical device recall for Orthalign, Inc.'s Drill Plate, Ortho Dev. Trimax - Pegged (REF:402566), a component of the Lantern Knee System. The recall affects products manufactured out of specification that may result in bone cuts exceeding 0.0800 inches (2.8448mm). Distribution is nationwide with presence in Utah.

I.T.S. GmbH Headless Compression Screw MRI Safety Recall

FDA initiated a Class II recall (Z-1606-2026) for I.T.S. GmbH's Headless Compression Screw System due to updated MRI safety testing revealing higher RF-induced temperature increases under certain MRI conditions than previously documented in the Instructions for Use. The recall affects multiple article numbers distributed nationwide across multiple US states. Healthcare providers and distributors should immediately identify affected inventory and halt use pending updated guidance.

Olympus PKS Cutting Forceps Recall - Welding Defect

Olympus Corporation of the Americas issued a Class II device recall for PKS Cutting Forceps (Model/Catalog Number: 3005PK) due to inadequate supplier welding process validation. The defective welds can cause the forceps' jaw to break during clinical use, posing a safety risk to patients. Healthcare providers using these devices should immediately identify and remove affected units from service.

BD Alaris System Recall - TLS Labeling Security Issue

FDA issued Class II recall Z-1645-2026 for BD Alaris System with Guardrails Suite MX with Point of Care Unit manufactured by CareFusion 303, Inc. The recall addresses missing product labeling specifying which TLS version must be enabled on hospital networks for secure Wi-Fi communication. Affected devices were distributed nationwide in the U.S. across multiple states.

Tandem Insulin Pump Recall - Czech Language User Guide Translation Errors

FDA initiated a Class II recall (Z-1636-2026) of Tandem Diabetes Care insulin pumps due to translation errors in Czech language user guides distributed in Czech Republic and Slovakia. The critical error instructed users to verify the infusion set IS connected to the body when users should confirm it is NOT connected. The recall is ongoing as of April 1, 2026.