Report Title:

Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center; Funding

Description:

Appropriates $1,500,000 for emergency services at the Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	153
TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2007
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to health.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that there is a pressing need to assist medical centers in rural areas throughout the state.  Medical centers such as the Waianae coast comprehensive health center (health center) have experienced severe financial difficulties in recent years.  For example, the health center suffered a $1,000,000 net loss with respect to its emergency department in fiscal year 2005-2006, in spite of a $1,000,000 state subsidy.

     The legislature further finds that a larger state subsidy is needed to cover the losses incurred by this critically important medical facility.  An appropriation of $1,500,000 would cover seventy-five per cent of the net loss.  In addition, the legislature recognizes that a dependable, multi-year financial commitment by the State in supporting emergency medical services at the health center is the most effective way to ensure that residents throughout the Ewa coast receive appropriate medical care.

     The purpose of this Act is to provide $1,500,000 for emergency services at the health center.

     SECTION 2.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $1,500,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2007-2008 for emergency services at the Waianae coast comprehensive health center.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of health for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2007.

INTRODUCED BY:

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