Hawaii House Bill HCR179

Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/8/24
• Refer: 3/14/24

Caption

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.

Impact

The resolution underscores the importance of aligning Hawaii's health information policies with national standards while ensuring individual privacy and data ownership. It recognizes the existing challenges in sharing health data and emphasizes the need for a unified approach to data governance that can benefit underrepresented populations and those facing health inequities. Responding to urgent needs highlighted by recent events such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2023 Maui wildfires, this resolution aims to enhance the flexibility and responsiveness of Hawaii's health system.

Summary

HCR179 is a House Concurrent Resolution from the Thirty-second Legislature of Hawaii, requesting the State Health Planning and Development Agency to form a Health Information Data Sharing Working Group. This initiative is aimed at creating a structured framework for future health information data sharing legislation, focusing on collaboration among health care entities and government agencies to enhance health outcomes through efficient data sharing processes. By improving the electronic exchange of patient health information, the resolution seeks to help coordinate care among providers and ultimately reduce healthcare costs.

Contention

Among the notable points of contention may be the balance between the need for extensive data sharing to improve health outcomes and the concerns surrounding privacy, security, and the potential for misuse of sensitive health information. The working group's efforts to identify gaps in data sharing practices and establish solutions will likely lead to discussions on regulatory implications and ethical considerations regarding patient rights in health data exchanges. Moreover, the collective input of various stakeholders, including health care associations and government officials, will play a crucial role in shaping effective health information policies.