HB2211.DOC

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	2211
TWENTY-EIGHTH LEGISLATURE, 2016
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO HEALTH.

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

SECTION 1. (a) There is established within the insurance division of the department of commerce and consumer affairs a health care task force to develop a plan to improve the delivery of health care in the State.

(b) The task force shall consist of thirteen members to be appointed by the governor without regard to section 26-34, Hawaii Revised Statutes, of which:

(1) Three members shall be selected from a list of persons nominated by the speaker of the house of representatives;

(2) Three members shall be selected from a list of persons nominated by the senate president;

(3) One member shall be selected from a list of persons recommended by the insurance commissioner;

(4) Three members shall be from private sector organizations;

(5) Two members shall be public union representatives; and

(6) One member shall be a neighbor island representative.

All members of the task force shall have experience in health care and the health care industry. Any vacancy in the task force's membership shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment.

The task force shall select a chairperson from among its members. The task force shall develop procedures for removal or suspension of members for cause. All appointments shall be made by July 15, 2016.

(c) The number of task force members necessary to constitute a quorum to do business shall consist of a majority of all members of the task force. When a quorum is in attendance, the concurrence of a majority of the members in attendance shall make any action of the task force valid.

(d) The health care task force shall develop a plan to improve the delivery of health care in the State. The plan shall address:

(1) The efficiency and effectiveness of the health care delivery system, including ways to improve efficiencies and effectiveness;

(2) The impact of consolidation, acquisition, and partnerships of hospitals on health care delivery;

(3) The shortage of physicians statewide, including recruitment, retention, and training of physicians in the State; and

(4) The status and effectiveness of the University of Hawaii medical residency program in addressing the shortage of physicians in the State, particularly in rural communities.

(e) The task force may request assistance from the insurance division of the department of commerce and consumer affairs, department of health, department of human services, other appropriate state agencies, others in the health field, and the public in fulfilling the purpose of the task force.

(f) No member of the task force shall be made subject to chapter 84, Hawaii Revised Statutes, solely because of that member's participation as a member of the task force.

(g) The health care task force members shall not receive compensation for their services but shall be reimbursed for expenses, including travel expenses, incurred in the performance of their duties under this Act.

(h) The health care task force shall submit the plan, including a report of its findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days before the convening of the regular session of 2018.

(i) The health care task force shall cease to operate on July 1, 2017.

SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $ or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2016-2017 for the health care task force to carry out the purposes of this Act, including contracting for services and studies as necessary.

The sum appropriated shall be expended by the insurance division of the department of commerce and consumer affairs for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect upon its approval; provided that section 2 shall take effect on July 1, 2016.

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________