Hawaii Senate Bill SR37

Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/10/22
• Refer: 3/11/22
• Report Pass: 3/30/22
• Passed: 3/31/22

Caption

Urging The Hawaii Health Systems Corporation To Expand The Kau Rural Health Clinic To Improve Access To Urgent Care And Outpatient Behavioral Health Services.

Impact

By focusing on expanding the Kau Rural Health Clinic, SR37 seeks to enhance the availability of urgent care and outpatient behavioral health services for residents of Kau, an area noted for its isolation and limited access to healthcare. The resolution acknowledges the crucial role such clinics play in addressing the shortage of physicians serving populations reliant on Medicare and Medicaid, enhancing overall healthcare accessibility for these individuals.

Summary

Senate Resolution 37 aims to address the urgent need for improved access to healthcare services in rural areas of Hawaii, specifically by urging the Hawaii Health Systems Corporation to expand the Kau Rural Health Clinic. The resolution highlights significant health vulnerabilities among individuals with pre-existing mental health conditions, particularly in the wake of social isolation associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. It emphasizes that rural health clinics are critical in providing medical and behavioral health services to underserved communities, thus fostering better health outcomes.

Contention

There may be debate surrounding the potential funding and logistical challenges associated with expanding the Kau Rural Health Clinic. While proponents argue that expanding this facility is essential for addressing mental health needs and reducing healthcare disparities in rural areas, there could be concerns regarding resource allocation, the capacity of existing healthcare providers, and the feasibility of implementing the expansion effectively. This could lead to discussions about healthcare priorities in the state legislature, balancing urgent care expansion with broader systemic healthcare reform.