HI HR176

Creates a 16-member Hawaii Diabetes Task Force within the Department of Health, comprised of state agency directors, university representatives, and health organization representatives.

Task force shall develop and recommend legislation, research best practices from other states, raise public awareness about diabetes prevention, and create a central state website for testing access.

Task force must meet monthly from July 2012 to November 2012 and report findings and recommendations to the legislature at least 20 days before each regular legislative session.

Task force shall explore options to revise Medicare and Medicaid Services policies for licensure and certification of dialysis and diabetes prevention centers to facilitate new facility openings in Hawaii.

Addresses Hawaii's diabetes epidemic affecting over 110,000 residents and related public health challenges including kidney disease, blindness, and amputations resulting from diabetes complications.