HI SB3180

Establishes a Rural Health Task Force within the Department of Health, chaired by the Director of Health or designee, with members including the rural health communities coordinator and supervisors of public health nursing sections on Maui, Molokai, and Lanai.

Includes one representative each from Hana Community Health Center, Molokai General Hospital, Lanai Community Health Center, and Molokai Community Health Center to be invited by the chairperson.

Task force shall develop solutions and recommendations on recruitment and retention of registered nurses in rural areas of east Maui, Molokai, and Lanai, including nurse-to-patient ratios, affordable workforce housing, telehealth-based medical direction, and best practices for nurse retention.

Task force members shall serve without compensation but shall be reimbursed for actual and necessary expenses, and are exempt from Hawaii Revised Statutes chapter 84 regarding conflicts of interest.

Task force shall submit findings and recommendations to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the 2023 regular session and shall cease to exist on July 1, 2023; Act takes effect January 1, 2050.