HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	984
THIRTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE, 2021
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO THE OFFICE OF HEALTHCARE ASSURANCE SPECIAL FUND.

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

SECTION 1. The purpose of this Act is to increase the annual expenditure ceiling of the office of healthcare assurance special fund to offset increasing operational expenses that include contracts to implement a new management information system and background checks system, as well as diminish dependence on the general fund. Furthermore, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, there is increased need for public education and outreach to assure appropriate and high-quality healthcare facility access.

SECTION 2. Section 321-1.4, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsections (b) and (c) to read as follows:

"(b) Moneys in the special fund shall be expended by the department of health:

(1) To assist in offsetting operating costs and educational program expenses of the department of health's office of health care assurance; and

(2) For the purpose of enhancing the capacity of office of health care assurance programs to:

(A) Improve public health outreach efforts, program and community development, and consultations to industries regulated;

(B) Educate the public, the staff of the department of health, and other departments within the State, as well as staff and providers of all health care facilities and agencies regulated; and

(C) Administer and support the durable medical equipment supplier license program established pursuant to part XLIII.

Not more than [$327,000] $500,000 of the special fund may be used during any fiscal year for the activities carried out by the office of health care assurance.

(c) Any amount in the special fund in excess of [$387,500] $600,000 on June 30 of each year shall be deposited into the general fund."

SECTION 3. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________
	BY REQUEST

Report Title:

Office of Healthcare Assurance Special Fund; Ceiling

Description:

Increase ceiling of the Office of Healthcare Assurance Special Fund to meet expanding program needs and diminish dependence on the general fund.

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