Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

Hawaii House Bill HCR7

Introduced
1/20/23  
Refer
2/16/23  
Report Pass
3/14/23  
Refer
3/14/23  
Report Pass
4/3/23  
Engrossed
4/3/23  
Refer
4/4/23  
Report Pass
4/19/23  

Caption

Requesting The Department Of Human Services Med-quest Division, In Collaboration With The Department Of Commerce And Consumer Affairs, To Expand The Types Of Qualified Providers Allowed To Provide Lactation Consultant Services For The Medicaid Population In The State.

Impact

If enacted, HCR7 would lead to a modification in state policies regarding the certification and authorization of providers who can deliver lactation consultant services. Currently, not all qualified providers are permitted to offer these essential services to Medicaid recipients. By broadening the criteria for qualified providers, this bill could enhance the availability of breastfeeding support within the state's health care system, thereby improving maternal and infant health outcomes for low-income families.

Summary

HCR7, introduced in the Thirty-Second Legislature of Hawaii, requests the Department of Human Services' Med-QUEST Division to expand the types of qualified providers permitted to offer lactation consultant services for the Medicaid population. This bill recognizes the significant health benefits associated with breastfeeding for both infants and mothers, and emphasizes that increased access to lactation services is essential for enhancing the well-being of families enrolled in Hawaii's QUEST Integration Program. The resolution aims to improve Medicaid coverage by allowing more certified professionals to assist mothers with breastfeeding-related challenges.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HCR7 appears to be favorable, recognizing the importance of breastfeeding support as a public health priority. Stakeholders, including health professionals and advocates for maternal and child health, likely view the resolution as a positive step toward ensuring that mothers have access to necessary resources for successful breastfeeding. By aligning Medicaid coverage with best practices in lactation support, there is a shared belief that this legislation could lead to improved health outcomes.

Contention

While the discussion around HCR7 seems largely supportive, potential points of contention may arise regarding the specifics of provider qualifications. Some stakeholders may express concerns over the criteria set for certification and the implications of expanding provider access on the quality of care. Ensuring that newly included practitioners have the requisite skills and training to provide adequate support could be a critical topic in ongoing discussions as the bill progresses.

Companion Bills

HI HR6

Same As Requesting The Department Of Human Services Med-quest Division, In Collaboration With The Department Of Commerce And Consumer Affairs, To Expand The Types Of Qualified Providers Allowed To Provide Lactation Consultant Services For The Medicaid Population In The State.

Previously Filed As

HI HCR94

Requesting The Department Of Human Services To Conduct A Study On The Feasibility Of Increasing The Medicaid Reimbursement Payment Rate For Hawaii's Community Care Foster Family Homes And Expanded Adult Residential Care Homes For Medicaid Clients In 2032 And Every Ten Years Thereafter.

HI HCR44

Requesting The Department Of Human Services To Convene A Baby Bonds Working Group.

HI HR78

Requesting The Department Of Human Services To Conduct A Study On The Feasibility Of Increasing The Medicaid Reimbursement Payment Rate For Hawaii's Community Care Foster Family Homes And Expanded Adult Residential Care Homes For Medicaid Clients Every Ten Years.

HI HCR91

Requesting The Department Of Human Services To Establish A Working Group To Address Issues Relating To Reimbursements And Payments To Home- And Community-based Services Providers.

HI SCR39

Requesting The Department Of Human Services To Convene A Baby Bonds Working Group.

HI HCR200

Requesting The Department Of Human Services To Report On The Cultural And Therapeutic Services Provided By Community-based Organizations At The Kawailoa Youth And Family Wellness Center.

HI HCR207

Requesting The Department Of Health To Establish A Per- And Polyfluoroalkyl Substances Testing Grant Program In Collaboration With The University Of Hawaii.

HI HR33

Requesting The Department Of Human Services To Convene A Baby Bonds Working Group.

HI SR28

Requesting The Department Of Human Services To Convene A Baby Bonds Working Group.

HI HB1066

Relating To The Second Deputy Director In The Department Of Human Services.

Similar Bills

CA ACR234

Breastfeeding Awareness Month of 2018.

CA SCR86

Breastfeeding Awareness Month of 2023.

CA SCR120

Breastfeeding Awareness Month of 2022.

CA SCR55

Breastfeeding Awareness Month of 2021.

CA ACR113

Breastfeeding Awareness Month of 2017.

NJ A821

Requires certain health care facilities to offer lactation counseling and consultations to persons who have given birth.

MS HB939

Breastfeeding; authorize distribution of statewide info to support breastfeeding in public places.

MS HB1304

Breastfeeding; authorize distribution of statewide info to support breastfeeding in public places.