SB1244

THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	1244
TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2007
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

rELATING TO HEALTH CARE.

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

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the state's rapidly aging population will significantly increase the demand for health care services and long-term care. Regrettably, there is a growing shortage of health care professionals in Hawaii, especially on the neighbor islands and in rural areas. The problem is further aggravated by the fact that as we lose essential health care providers, our current health care workforce continues to age, exacerbating the growing shortage of providers. Low reimbursement rates, issues related to living and working in remote communities, challenging working conditions, and the cost of medical malpractice insurance also continue to create barriers to recruitment and retention of health care providers, especially in certain specialty areas.

While we struggle to provide adequate health insurance for all of Hawaii's citizens the health care workforce shortage will continue to leave many without access to appropriate care. A fully staffed, well-trained health care workforce is a key component in providing quality health care to all Hawaii residents.

The purpose of this Act is to develop and maintain a secure statewide comprehensive health care workforce map and database. The department of health shall:

(1) Compile and analyze existing data on the supply and distribution of all health care practitioners, technicians, and other health care workers by specialty and practice location;

(2) Develop a plan to collect and systematically update data;

(3) Develop a plan to project and meet future health care workforce needs;

(4) Develop a plan to address and reduce any identified shortages of health care workers; and

(5) Ensure that data collected is accurate and secure and that data specific to any practitioner is disclosed only with the express written consent of the practitioner.

SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $500,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2007-2008 for the department of health to develop and maintain a statewide comprehensive health care workforce map and database.

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:	_____________________________