HI HCR214

Requests the Department of Psychiatry at University of Hawaii at Manoa to convene a Mental Health Access Working Group to develop recommendations for mental health care standards, improved access to providers, and expanded use of telemedicine and allied mental health professionals.

Working Group composition includes 31 members from state agencies, legislative committees, universities, health insurance companies, mental health professionals (psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, counselors), and three patients with diagnosed psychiatric conditions requiring minimum 5-year treatment history.

Directs Working Group to inventory the mental health professional workforce in Hawaii, assess geographic distribution with focus on neighbor islands and rural areas, and identify means to improve access through physicians, physician extenders, and non-physician mental health professionals.

Requires Working Group to submit findings, recommendations, and proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than 20 days before the 2016 Regular Session.