Bill Text: HI SB2068 | 2014 | Regular Session | Introduced

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Bill Title: Native Hawaiian Health; John A. Burns School of Medicine; Task Force; Appropriation ($)

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 2-0)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2014-01-15 - Referred to HRE/HTH/HWN, WAM. [SB2068 Detail]

Download: Hawaii-2014-SB2068-Introduced.html

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THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	2068
TWENTY-SEVENTH LEGISLATURE, 2014
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

relating to health.

 

 

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

 

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that the department of Native Hawaiian health, as part of the University of Hawaii's John A. Burns school of medicine, recently completed a two year study entitled "Assessment and Priorities for Health and Well-Being in Native Hawaiians and Other Pacific Peoples."  These findings were presented to a joint legislative committee on September 23, 2013, along with recommendations and priorities to improve the health and well-being of the State's indigenous and Pacific islander populations.

     The legislature further finds that obesity and chronic diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease, disproportionality affect Native Hawaiians.  In order to address the health of indigenous people, Hawaii's policies, programs, and services must focus on economic and social conditions that influence group differences in health status.

     The study also detailed successful programs that have led to reduced risk factors for diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.  These programs include weight and blood pressure management.

     The purpose of this Act is to address the findings and recommendations of the department of Native Hawaiian health's study by creating a task force to formulate policies and procedures to eliminate the disproportionate impact of the social determinants of health and chronic disease on all individuals, with particular focus on Native Hawaiians and other Pacific peoples.

     SECTION 2.  (a)  There is established a task force to be administratively attached to the University of Hawaii's John A. Burns school of medicine to:

     (1)  Create data sharing policies between state agencies to improve access for Native Hawaiian and other Pacific peoples;

     (2)  Propose cost-effective improvements to the environments where Native Hawaiians and other Pacific peoples live, learn, work, and play;

     (3)  Propose legislation to address social determinants of health in Hawaii;

     (4)  Raise awareness and propose programs to advance health equity;

     (5)  Propose programs and legislative action that will address barriers to access health care;

     (6)  Guide the use of existing collaborations, systems, and partnerships to leverage resources and maximize outcomes;

     (7)  Propose activities that will support community organizations promoting their own health; and

     (8)  Propose initiatives that will increase preventive services available in Native Hawaiian communities.

     (b)  The task force shall consist of the following members:

     (1)  The chair of the department of Native Hawaiian health of the John A. Burns school of medicine, or the chair's designee;

     (2)  The director of health, or the director's designee; and

     (3)  The chief executive officer of the office of Hawaiian affairs, or the chief executive officer's designee.

     In addition, the chair of the department of Native Hawaiian health of the John A. Burns school of medicine shall appoint up to twenty additional task force members with demonstrated interest in and backgrounds beneficial to assisting the functions of the task force, including members with extensive knowledge, expertise, or experience in areas such as Native Hawaiian health or health care, and Native Hawaiian health care consumers.

     (c)  The members of the task force shall serve without compensation, but shall be reimbursed for expenses necessary in the performance of their duties.

     (d)  The task force shall submit to the legislature a final report of its activities, findings, and recommendations no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2016.

     (e)  The task force shall cease to exist on August 1, 2016.

     SECTION 3.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $100,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2014-2015 for the task force on Native Hawaiian health to formulate policies and procedures to eliminate the disproportionate impact of the social determinants of health and chronic disease on Native Hawaiians.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the University of Hawaii John A. Burns school of medicine for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval, provided that section 3 shall take effect on July 1, 2014.

 

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________

 

 

Report Title:

Native Hawaiian Health; John A. Burns School of Medicine; Task Force; Appropriation

 

Description:

Establishes a task force to improve the health of Native Hawaiians and other Pacific peoples by proposing cost-effective improvements and legislation to address social determinants of health in Hawaii.  Makes an appropriation of $100,000 to support the activities of the task force.

 

 

 

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