HI SR141

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

Study must include a recommendation for additional authority enabling the Department of Health to adequately oversee these entities, including recommendations for staffing and support needs.

Study must review how other jurisdictions oversee medical service entities and recommend whether the Governor, Department of Health, or another entity should have authority to order closure or takeover of medical service entities when there is a threat to community health or safety.

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

Resolution cites the August 2019 closure of Molokai's only community health center due to lack of physician staffing and a child death at a Kailua dental practice as examples demonstrating the need for improved oversight.