HI HB1635

Establishes a Rural Health Task Force within the Center for Nursing to develop solutions and recommendations for registered nurse recruitment and retention in Maui, Molokai, and Lanai.

Task force membership includes the Center for Nursing advisory board chairperson (as chairperson), rural health coordinator from the Department of Health, public health nursing supervisors from Maui, Molokai, and Lanai, and representatives from five designated rural health care facilities.

Task force duties include assessing rural health facility needs, managing nurse-to-patient ratios, developing affordable workforce housing recommendations, surveying telehealth demand, analyzing retention options, and researching best practices for nurse retention.

Task force shall submit a preliminary report to the legislature no later than twenty days before the 2023 regular session and a final report no later than twenty days before the 2024 regular session, including findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation.

Task force ceases to exist on July 1, 2024; members serve without compensation but receive reimbursement for actual and necessary expenses.