Requesting The State Health Planning And Development Agency To Convene A Health Information Data Sharing Working Group To Collaborate And Establish The Framework And Standards For Future Health Information Data Sharing Legislation.
The resolution highlights the opportunity to use federal funding programs to bolster Hawaii's healthcare system and outlines the need for cohesive policies that prioritize patient privacy and individual data ownership. It acknowledges that the COVID-19 pandemic and recent natural disasters have further emphasized the necessity for flexible healthcare delivery through technology, which relies heavily on timely access to shared health information. Moreover, the successful implementation of this framework could lead to advancements in public health responses and interventions, ensuring comprehensive care for all citizens.
H.R. NO. 159, introduced in the Thirty-second Legislature of Hawaii, aims to improve the sharing of health information among healthcare entities and government agencies by establishing a Health Information Data Sharing Working Group. This group's primary objective is to collaborate and create a comprehensive framework and standards for future health information data sharing legislation, which is essential for enhancing coordination of care and improving health outcomes across the state. The impetus for this bill stems from the observed need to securely and effectively share patient health information to address health equity and support better health care delivery, particularly for marginalized populations.
There may be contentions surrounding the establishment of standards for health information sharing, particularly concerning the complexities of data privacy and security. As the working group is empowered to identify potential gaps in data sharing processes and propose solutions, stakeholders may debate the balance between facilitating efficient data exchange and safeguarding individual privacy rights. Additionally, the consideration of social determinants of health in data sharing could provoke discussions regarding the role of government in addressing systemic inequities inherent within healthcare systems.