Hawaii Senate Bill SB2250

Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/18/24
• Refer: 1/19/24

Caption

Making An Emergency Appropriation To The Department Of Health To Implement Quality Improvement Recommendations For The Hawaii State Hospital.

Impact

The bill allocates a total of $5,975,000 for fiscal year 2023-2024. This funding will be utilized for various purposes, including salaries for newly established positions and essential upgrades to dietary services and telecommunications. The intent is to ensure the hospital can accommodate the growing number of patients while maintaining a high standard of care. This appropriation will exceed the state's general fund expenditure ceiling, highlighting the urgency and necessity of addressing the current needs of the facility.

Summary

SB2250 is an emergency appropriations bill designed to provide funding for the Hawaii State Hospital to implement quality improvement recommendations following a comprehensive evaluation of its operations. The hospital, which serves as Hawaii's only publicly funded state psychiatric facility, has experienced an increased demand for secure psychiatric services, necessitating significant upgrades and additional staffing. The funds appropriated will support both the hiring of new personnel and enhancements to hospital facilities and equipment.

Contention

An important aspect of SB2250 is the declaration that the general fund expenditure ceiling will be exceeded as a result of this appropriation, a move that may elicit scrutiny from fiscal conservatives. This situation underscores the balance that must be struck between fiscal responsibility and the urgent need for effective mental health services in Hawaii. The recommendations made by the consultant emphasize the importance of not only staffing increases but also the need for a safer environment and improved operational efficiencies, which may be points of discussion among lawmakers as they consider the bill.