HI HCR15

Requests the University of Hawaii Center on Aging to convene a Hawaii State Fall Prevention Task Force to develop a statewide approach to reducing falls among older adults.

Task Force composition includes 5 members appointed by the Governor, 5 by the Senate President, 5 by the House Speaker, and 6 additional members from specified state agencies and organizations, with the Director of the Executive Office on Aging designated as chair.

Task Force members must have backgrounds in elderly services, geriatric medicine, geriatric pharmacology, business, insurance, health care, long-term care, hospital administration, risk management, public policy, or be advocates for elderly care.

Task Force directed to investigate immediate and long-term dangers of fall injuries, examine fiscal impact of senior falls ($92 million annually in Hawaii), and recommend interventions and prevention programs; must submit interim report by 20 days before 2011 Regular Session and final report by 20 days before 2012 Regular Session.

Task Force requested to enhance public awareness that falls are preventable, increase availability of fall prevention programs statewide, and expand roles of medical and health care professionals in screening and referring elderly persons to prevention programs.