HI SB285

Requires the Hawaii Department of Human Services to implement a mobile medical van telehealth pilot program staffed by primary care providers (including advanced practice registered nurses) equipped with technology to consult with other health care providers.

Applies only to mobile medical van programs in counties with populations under 250,000, including programs operated by Kona Community Hospital in partnership with non-profit mutual benefit societies providing health coverage to at least 600,000 members.

Defines "telehealth" as real-time video conferencing, secure web-based communication, and secure asynchronous information exchange for transmitting medical information and diagnostic images, excluding standard phone calls, faxes, or email.

Requires the department to assess the pilot program between 6 and 12 months after operations begin, evaluating telehealth usage patterns, provider types consulted, diagnoses, services ordered, patient and provider satisfaction, and demographics.

Authorizes the department to continue, expand, or end the program based on assessment results; the statute sunsets on June 30, 2013.