Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SCR6

Introduced
1/25/23  
Refer
1/30/23  
Report Pass
4/4/23  
Engrossed
4/5/23  
Refer
4/11/23  
Report Pass
4/17/23  
Refer
4/17/23  

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

The implementation of SCR6 is expected to positively impact Hawaii's Medicaid recipients by increasing access to lactation consultant services, leading to better health outcomes for mothers and infants. Currently, not all qualified providers, such as those certified by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners, are allowed to deliver these critical services within the Medicaid framework. By removing these barriers, the bill could lead to a more comprehensive support system for breastfeeding, addressing common challenges that mothers face during this period.

Summary

SCR6 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution from Hawaii's 32nd Legislature that requests the Department of Human Services (DHS) Med-QUEST Division to expand the types of qualified providers who are allowed to provide lactation consultant services to the Medicaid population in the state. The resolution is grounded in the understanding that breastfeeding has significant health benefits for both mothers and infants, as highlighted by guidelines from organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Pediatrics. By broadening the scope of certified providers, the bill aims to enhance support for breastfeeding mothers who are part of the Medicaid program.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding SCR6 appears to be favorable, particularly among health professionals and advocates for maternal and child health. Supporters recognize the necessity of lactation consultant services, especially within low-income populations who utilize Medicaid. By advocating for improved access, the resolution has garnered support from various stakeholders concerned with healthcare and nutrition for young children. However, there may be some level of contention regarding the potential increase in costs to the state as more providers are utilized, though this concern has not been prominently featured in discussions.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise regarding the execution of expanding provider types. Dictating which certifications qualify for providing lactation consultant services can lead to debates about quality control and provider standards. Questions could also emerge about the ability of the DHS Med-QUEST Division to effectively implement these changes and ensure adequate training and credentialing. The resolution includes a provision for the Department to report back to the Legislature on the steps taken to expand the qualified provider network, highlighting a path toward accountability.

Companion Bills

HI HCR7

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.

HI SR4

Same As Requesting The Department Of Human Services Med-quest Division 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 SCR39

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 SCR175

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 HCR44

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

HI SB1364

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

HI HB1066

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

HI SCR15

Requesting The Department Of Health's State Health Planning And Development Agency To Convene A Health Data Sharing Working Group To Accelerate And Expand The Sharing Of Real Time Health Information Among Health Care Entities And Government Agencies In The State.

HI SCR128

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

HI SB889

Relating To 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.