HI SCR101

Department of Health requested to convene a task force to study current use and possible expansion of services at Leahi Hospital and Maluhia Hospital for community-based mental health and substance abuse treatment for non-forensic patients.

Task force membership includes Director of Health (chairperson), Director of Human Services, two Senate members, two House members, CEO of Hawaii Health Systems Corporation Oahu Region, two Oahu Regional Health System Board members, a mental health/substance abuse provider representative, and additional members at chairperson's discretion.

Initial task force meeting required no later than June 1, 2019, with findings and recommendations due to the Legislature no later than 20 days before the 2020 Regular Session convening.

Task force will dissolve on June 30, 2020, and study addresses gap in community mental health capacity and high costs of contracted beds on mainland (over $13 million annually).

Resolution notes Hawaii State Hospital is at capacity and exclusively serves forensic patients, creating need for alternative treatment options for non-forensic individuals.