Hawaii House Bill HCR49

Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/8/23
• Refer: 3/10/23
• Report Pass: 3/31/23
• Refer: 3/31/23

Caption

Requesting The Establishment Of A Telehealth Working Group To Examine The Impact Of Widespread Telehealth Adoption During The Covid-19 Pandemic And Identify Public Policy Initiatives At The Federal And State Level To Optimize Telehealth Utilization As The State Transitions Out Of The Covid-19 Pandemic.

Impact

The proposal acknowledges both the potential benefits and drawbacks of telehealth services. While telehealth has improved access and timely care for patients, concerns have emerged regarding the long-term implications of reduced in-person consultations. These concerns include the risks of overlooking essential physical examinations, lab work, and vital tests that are critical for comprehensive healthcare assessments. By prompting thorough evaluations, HCR49 aims to provide insights that will help enhance healthcare strategies and policies in the state.

Summary

HCR49, introduced in the State of Hawaii's 32nd Legislature in 2023, seeks to establish a Telehealth Working Group tasked with examining the impact of the widespread adoption of telehealth services during the COVID-19 pandemic. The resolution highlights a significant increase in telehealth usage, with statistics indicating a sixty-five-fold rise compared to pre-pandemic levels. With this transition, the bill emphasizes the need to assess how effective telehealth has been in providing care and whether it can be integrated effectively into traditional healthcare delivery as society moves beyond the pandemic.

Contention

Discussion around HCR49 will likely revolve around the composition and objectives of the Telehealth Working Group. The resolution mandates the inclusion of key stakeholders such as healthcare providers, insurance representatives, and health department officials. However, debates may arise regarding the effectiveness of telehealth as a long-term solution in healthcare, especially if certain populations remain underserved or if issues related to data privacy emerge as telehealth becomes more prevalent. Additionally, the balance between optimizing telehealth and ensuring comprehensive, quality care will be pivotal in legislative discussions.