Hawaii House Bill HCR172

Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/8/24
• Refer: 3/14/24
• Report Pass: 3/27/24
• Report Pass: 4/4/24
• Refer: 3/27/24
• Refer: 4/5/24
• Engrossed: 4/4/24
• Report Pass: 4/19/24
• Passed: 4/22/24

Caption

Requesting The Director Of Health To Convene A Working Group To Address Issues Relating To Patient Transfer And Ambulance Services And Evaluate Potential Solutions.

Impact

The impact of HCR172 is expected to be substantial in improving the current patient transfer and ambulance service systems. By forming a statewide coordinated transfer system, the bill aims to streamline the identification of available beds and medical services across facilities, thereby reducing wait times for patients in critical conditions. Furthermore, by addressing obstacles such as transportation capacity and limited bed availability, the bill could lead to more efficient emergency care and potentially save lives. The emphasis on high-need services, like hemodialysis and specialized care, indicates a significant step towards enhancing healthcare quality in Hawaii.

Summary

HCR172, introduced in the 32nd Legislature of Hawaii in 2024, seeks to address critical issues concerning patient transfers and ambulance services across the state. The bill highlights the significant delays that patients experience while waiting for transportation to facilities that can provide a higher level of care, which can lead to severe health repercussions, including fatalities. The resolution requests the Director of Health to convene a working group comprising various stakeholders to examine these challenges and develop potential solutions. This initiative showcases the state's commitment to enhancing healthcare responsiveness and patient safety through collaborative improvements in emergency medical transport systems.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HCR172 appears to be predominantly positive, as it reflects a proactive approach to improving healthcare services. While specifics on opposition were not highlighted, the collaboration among varied stakeholders—including healthcare associations and emergency medical services—suggests broad support for the initiative. The overall consensus favors the development of a robust framework for patient transfer, acknowledging the serious implications of current delays and shortcomings in the ambulance services. This forward-thinking approach is likely to resonate well with constituents concerned about healthcare accessibility and safety.

Contention

Notable contentions related to HCR172 revolve around the logistics of implementing an effective working group and the complexities involved in overhauling existing patient transfer protocols. Issues highlighted include the necessity for agreements between hospitals, the single-provider nature of many services, and the capability of facilities to care for patients with specific medical needs. While the bill encourages collaboration, the efficiency and speed of any changes could face challenges, especially given the intricate dependencies on multiple stakeholders who must agree on the proposed solutions. The potential for bureaucratic delays in implementing recommendations might also be a point of concern.