STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2741

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 2431

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2020

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Health, to which was referred S.B. No. 2431 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to:

(1) Require and appropriate funds for the Department of Health to conduct comprehensive workforce and cost analysis reviews with federal partners to improve efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness; and

(2) Appropriate funds for collective bargaining increases and other current expenses.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Health; Honolulu Emergency Services Department for the City and County of Honolulu; and United Public Workers, AFSCME, Local 646, AFL-CIO.

Your Committee finds that the Department of Health is responsible for administering and maintaining the comprehensive state emergency medical service system, or state emergency medical system. Administration of the system by a state agency ensures that all emergency services, including ground and air ambulance services conducted by or under the authorization of the Department of Health or any county, are in compliance with existing law. Therefore, to fulfill the duties of the emergency medical services system, it is imperative that the Department of Health strive to ensure that the state emergency medical system is efficiently maintained and effectively provides emergency services.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Health that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2431 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Health,

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ROSALYN H. BAKER, Chair