Hawaii House Bill HCR185

Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/8/24
• Refer: 3/14/24

Caption

Requesting The Department Of Health To Conduct A Study To Examine Whether Bed-hold Policies Place An Undue Financial Burden On Individuals In Assisted Living Facilities.

Impact

The resolution seeks to address a critical issue faced by residents of assisted living facilities: the financial strain associated with bed-hold policies. Under these policies, individuals who are temporarily hospitalized must continue to pay for their reserved bed in addition to hospital fees. This double payment can exacerbate financial hardships, push residents to delay necessary medical treatments, and potentially lead to higher long-term health care costs due to complications that could arise from inadequate medical care during these periods.

Summary

HCR185 is a House Concurrent Resolution introduced during the Thirty-Second Legislature of Hawaii in 2024. This resolution requests the Department of Health to conduct a study assessing whether bed-hold policies in assisted living facilities impose an undue financial burden on residents, particularly the elderly, low-income individuals, and those with chronic illnesses. The resolution highlights the significance of assisted living facilities in the state and underscores the challenges residents face under these policies when they require temporary hospitalization.

Conclusion

The resolution calls for the Department of Health to investigate the financial implications of bed-hold policies and provide recommendations, including potential legislative solutions. This gesture indicates an acknowledgment by lawmakers of the need to evaluate existing practices in assisted living facilities, ensuring that the healthcare system remains accessible and equitable for all residents.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding bed-hold policies is their impact on vulnerable populations. Opponents of these policies argue that they disproportionately affect those with limited financial resources, leading to increased health inequalities. The resolution reflects concerns that these policies could deter individuals from seeking medical care when it is needed, further compromising their health outcomes and placing additional pressure on healthcare systems due to preventable emergencies.