HI HCR82

Urges all health care providers in Hawaii that perform organ transplantation to consider placing HIV-positive patients who need an organ transplant on an organ transplant waitlist.

Notes that 2,425 people in Hawaii were living with HIV or AIDS in 2011, with numbers increasing annually due to highly active antiretroviral therapy allowing longer survival.

Emphasizes that HIV-positive patients on antiretroviral therapy now typically die from end-stage organ disease rather than AIDS-related infections, making organ transplants critical for survival.

Cites research showing HIV-positive kidney transplant recipients achieved 94.6% one-year survival rate and 88.2% three-year survival rate, comparable to non-HIV recipients and superior to recipients age 65 and older.

Directs the Director of Health to transmit copies of the resolution to chief executive officers of all Hawaii health care providers performing organ transplants and to the Executive Director of Legacy of Life.