HI HB2053

Establishes a Fall Prevention and Early Detection Coordinator position within the Department of Health's Emergency Medical Services and Injury Prevention System Branch to coordinate public and private fall prevention services for elderly residents.

Appropriates $81,985 from the trauma system special fund for fiscal year 2014-2015 to establish and fill the full-time coordinator position.

Addresses fall-related injuries among Hawaii's elderly, which account for an average of 44% of fatal injuries and 83% of injury-related hospitalizations, with hospital costs averaging over $65 million annually.

Requires the coordinator to serve as a focal point for statewide injury prevention and detection efforts, ensuring multidisciplinary support and coordination of prevention and detection services for seniors.

Effective date: July 1, 2014.