HI HR124

Requests the Department of Health to conduct a study exploring options for better oversight of community health centers, dental clinics, and other medical service entities.

Study must include recommendations for additional authority to enable DOH to adequately oversee these medical entities and staffing needs for DOH.

Study must examine how other jurisdictions oversee medical service entities and provide recommendations on whether the Governor, DOH, or another entity should have authority to order closure or take control of facilities threatening community health or providing improper medical services.

Department of Health must submit findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the 2022 Regular Session convenes.

Resolution references the 2019 closure of Molokai's only community health center due to staff shortages and a high-profile child death at a Kailua dental practice as examples demonstrating need for stronger oversight.