HI SB804

Establishes the culturally competent palliative care pilot program administered by the Department of Health to promote palliative care utilization and develop culturally appropriate practices for Hawaii's patients and families.

Requires the Department of Health to conduct public education on palliative care and early referrals, and to acquire local health care utilization data to measure palliative care usage in the State.

Mandates competitive bidding for at least two pilot programs for home- or community-based palliative care, with at least one pilot program located in a county with a population of less than 200,000 residents.

Establishes an advisory group consisting of the Director of Health, county mayors, Hawaii health systems representatives, and invitees from the John A. Burns School of Medicine, American Cancer Society, Kokua Mau, and patient/family representatives.

Appropriates $250,000 for fiscal year 2019-2020 and $250,000 for fiscal year 2020-2021, with preliminary and final reports to the legislature due by 2020 and 2021 respectively; takes effect July 1, 2019.