Hawaii House Bill HB517

Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/23/23
• Refer: 1/27/23
• Report Pass: 2/9/23
• Refer: 2/9/23

Caption

Relating To Health Data Sharing.

Impact

Should this bill be enacted, it will mandate the establishment of a Hawaii health data exchange framework by September 1, 2030. This framework will consist of a common data-sharing agreement and policies that will govern health information exchange among various healthcare providers, insurers, and agencies. It aims to enable real-time access to patient health information, thereby improving care delivery and health outcomes across Hawaii. The implementation is expected to lead to better data synchronization between healthcare providers and facilitate broader access to crucial health information for stakeholders involved in patient care.

Summary

House Bill 517 aims to establish a framework for the health data exchange in Hawaii to enhance the efficiency and security of health information sharing among healthcare entities and government agencies. The bill emphasizes the importance of electronic communication in improving health outcomes and reducing healthcare costs. It seeks to address disparities in health access among various populations in the state, notably providing better care coordination for Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders. The legislation positions itself within the larger context of ongoing federal initiatives for standardized health data sharing and interoperability to improve patient care.

Contention

One notable aspect of HB 517 is its potential to transform existing laws related to the sharing and management of health information. While proponents argue that this framework will enable better service delivery and health equity, critics may raise concerns about data privacy, security, and potential overreach in the management of patient information. Striking the right balance between accessing health information for better service vs protecting patient privacy is likely to be a contentious issue as discussions regarding this bill progress.