HI SB1238

Establishes a two-year temporary patient navigation program at Mōloka'i General Hospital to improve medical outcomes for patients with chronic disease in rural medically underserved areas.

Program shall collaborate with The Queen's Medical Center and 'Ahahui O nā Kauka (Association of Native Hawaiian Physicians) and use trained patient navigators from the Kukui Ahi program.

Aims to increase access to care, demonstrate cost-effective protocols, reduce hospital admissions, and improve patient outcomes for chronic disease patients in medically underserved rural communities.

Results from the Mōloka'i program shall be shared with and tested by other rural Hawaiian communities such as Hana, Maui that face similar health care access challenges.

Appropriates funding from general revenues for fiscal years 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 as a grant to Mōloka'i General Hospital, with the department of health administering the funds pursuant to chapter 42F, Hawaii Revised Statutes.