THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	2919
THIRTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE, 2022
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

Relating to disabilitY Health Disparity.

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

SECTION 1. (a) The department of human services shall submit to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2023, a report focused on the health disparities experienced by individuals with disabilities in Hawaii. The report shall include:

(1) A definition of Hawaii's disability population for public health administration purposes, including the health conditions, duration, and level of severity required to qualify for disability status;

(2) Population-level differences in Hawaii between individuals with and without disabilities on health indicators and social determinants of health, including:

(A) Access to necessary health care;

(B) Access to preventive health care, including wellness programs and emotional support services;

(C) Health behaviors, including the percentage of individuals who engage in physical activities or smoke cigarettes;

(D) Health status and outcomes, including the percentage of individuals who are considered obese or diagnosed with chronic diseases, including diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases;

(E) Emergency preparedness, including evacuation planning and ability;

(F) Health insurance coverage;

(G) Social determinants of health and health outcomes, including household income, employment status, education level, access to health information technology tools and systems, access to transportation, and social and community environment; and

(H) Other indicators and determinants that contribute to an individual's physical and mental health;

(3) Factors contributing to the population-level differences, including economic and social disadvantages and discrimination;

(4) A determination of the population-level differences and contributing factors that are preventable or avoidable;

(5) Any other information that would assist the State in determining safe, equitable, and culturally appropriate public health actions that would improve health care and address the health disparities experienced by Hawaii's disability population; and

(6) Proposed legislation, including best practices for the State to reduce the health disparities experienced by Hawaii's disability population.

(b) For purposes of this Act, "health disparities" means population-level differences in health outcomes that are related to a history of social, economic, or environmental disadvantages, that are avoidable and not primarily caused by underlying health conditions that led to the disability.

SECTION 2. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:

_____________________________

Report Title:

Disabled Individuals; Health Disparity; Health Equity; Department of Human Services; Report

Description:

Requires the Department of Human Services to submit a report focused on the health disparities experienced by individuals with disabilities in Hawaii before Regular Session of 2023.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.