HB 602 Summary

• Appropriates general revenue funds to the Hawaii Department of Health for fiscal year 2011-2012 to expand breast and cervical cancer screening services.

• Targets funding toward reaching more women eligible for screening under the Hawaii breast and cervical cancer program, which has operated since 1993 through a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cooperative agreement.

• Addresses health disparities by noting that cancer deaths occur disproportionately among women in racial and ethnic minority and low-income groups, which screening availability could help prevent.

• Takes effect on July 1, 2011.