HI SB1036

Establishes a working group within the Department of Health to address publicly-funded substance abuse treatment services for populations that heavily utilize public health services.

Working group shall review policy changes for substance use disorders, explore integrated healthcare and addiction treatment approaches, ensure services reach subpopulations including offenders and pregnant women, and determine resource needs for improved outcomes.

Working group membership includes the DOH director (chair), one House member, one Senate member, directors of Human Services and Public Safety, Hawaii Paroling Authority chair, and representatives from substance abuse coalitions, psychiatric associations, hospitals, and primary care providers (maximum 15 members total).

Department of Health must submit a report to the legislature on publicly-funded substance abuse treatment coverage no later than twenty days before the 2016 regular legislative session.

Appropriates funds from general revenues for fiscal year 2015-2016 to support the working group's operations; act takes effect July 1, 2015 and expires June 30, 2016.