Hawaii Senate Bill SCR154

Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/11/22
• Refer: 3/16/22
• Report Pass: 4/4/22
• Engrossed: 4/5/22
• Refer: 4/6/22

Caption

Requesting The Hawaii Health Systems Corporation To Partner With The Kau Rural Health Community Association, Inc., To Conduct A Needs Assessment To Determine The Demand For And Access To Urgent Care And Outpatient Behavioral Health Services In The Kau District.

Impact

The bill's approval would enable the Health Systems Corporation to gather data needed for enhancing health care access in the Kaū district. It emphasizes the significance of rural health clinics in facilitating Medicaid beneficiaries' access to necessary services, particularly during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic. The assessment will culminate in a report which may lead to proposed legislation aimed at addressing identified needs, potentially impacting future funding and supportive measures for rural health initiatives.

Summary

SCR154 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution requesting the Hawaii Health Systems Corporation to collaborate with the Kaū Rural Health Community Association, Inc. to conduct a needs assessment focused on urgent care and outpatient behavioral health services in the Kaū district. This initiative aims to determine both the demand for services and the accessibility of health care within this rural community. Such assessments are crucial for identifying gaps in health services and planning appropriate resource allocation to meet community needs.

Sentiment

The sentiment around SCR154 is largely positive, reflecting a shared recognition of the challenges faced by rural health communities, especially in accessing urgent and behavioral health services. Legislators and stakeholders involved in discussions seem to appreciate the potential benefits of conducting a thorough needs assessment. The measure has garnered support due to its prospective enhancement of health care delivery in the underserved Kaū district.

Contention

While SCR154 has broad support, there are concerns regarding the actual implementation of any recommendations that may arise from the needs assessment. Critics may question whether the required resources will be allocated by the state legislature based on the findings, as rural health initiatives often compete with other budget priorities. Moreover, there are discussions about ensuring that community voices are actively involved in the assessment process to truly reflect local needs and concerns.