HI HR78

Request the Hawaii Health Systems Corporation to implement section 323F-25 of Hawaii Revised Statutes requiring collaboration between community hospitals and community health centers to maximize state and federal funding, reimbursement, capital investment, and service hours.

Request development of a plan for seven specified rural hospitals (Hale Ho'ola Hamakua, Ka'u Hospital, Kauai Veterans Memorial Hospital, Kohala Hospital, Kula Hospital, Lanai Community Hospital, and Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital) to be recognized as federally qualified health centers.

Designating rural hospitals as federally qualified health centers would expand focus on primary care and prevention, enable cost-based reimbursement for Medicaid services, and provide eligibility for free malpractice coverage under the Federal Tort Claims Act.

Require the Hawaii Health Systems Corporation to submit a progress report and plan for hospital designation to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the 2013 Regular Session convening.

Direct certified copies of the resolution be transmitted to the Governor, the Board of Directors of the Hawaii Health Systems Corporation, and members of the Hawaii Health Authority.