HI HB614

Appropriates funds to the Department of Health for one full-time equivalent Fall Prevention and Early Detection Coordinator position established by Act 153, Session Laws of Hawaii 2014.

Addresses fall prevention as a critical public health issue, noting that annually in Hawaii an average of 85 seniors die, 1,960 are hospitalized, and 8,700 are treated in emergency departments due to falls, costing approximately $1,200,000 in hospital and physician charges.

Authorizes appropriation of unspecified general revenue funds for fiscal years 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 to support the coordinator position focused on statewide fall prevention and early detection efforts for older adults.

Establishes the coordinator position as a focal point for multidisciplinary support and coordination of injury prevention and detection efforts across the state to reduce fall-related injuries and deaths among seniors.