STAND. COM. REP. NO.  1176

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2007

RE:   H.B. No. 1471

      H.D. 1

Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Fourth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2007

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred H.B. No. 1471 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC HEALTH,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this bill is to ensure that the community healthcare system in Hawaii remains financially viable as the uninsured and underinsured populations continue to grow.

     Specifically, this bill, among other things:

     (1)  Establishes procedures within the Department of Human Services (DHS) for reconciliation of payments to federally qualified health centers and rural health centers in the state;

     (2)  Allows for adjustment of prospective payment system rates for any adjustment in scope of services furnished by federally qualified health centers or rural health centers;

     (3)  Makes eligible for prospective payment system reimbursement certain services, including visits, provided by federally qualified health centers or rural health centers; and

     (4)  Requires the Department of Health (DOH) to provide certain resources to nonprofit, community-based healthcare providers for direct medical care for the uninsures, and appropriates funds for this purpose.

The Healthcare Association of Hawaii, Waikiki Health Center, West Hawaii Community Health Center, Inc., Molokai Community Health Center, Hamakua Health Center, Hoola Lahui Hawaii, Kalihi-Palama Health Center, Community Clinic of Maui, Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center, Kokua Kalihi Valley, Hawaii Psychiatric Medical Association, and several concerned individuals testified in support of this bill.  The Hawaii Primary Care Association supported this measure with amendments.  DHS supported the intent of this bill.  DOH offered comments.

     Your Committee has amended this bill by:

     (1)  Changing the effective date to July 1, 2020, to encourage further discussion; and

     (2)  Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for clarity, consistency, and style.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Finance that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1471, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 1471, H.D. 1.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Finance,

____________________________

MARCUS R. OSHIRO, Chair