HI HB2185

Establishes a Perinatal Implicit Bias Task Force within the Department of Human Services to examine existing implicit bias training programs and recommend an effective perinatal implicit bias training program.

Task force composition includes representatives from the governor's office, legislature, Department of Health, Department of Human Services, Hawaii Medical Board, University of Hawaii medical and social work schools, county governments, and invited members from healthcare associations, hospitals, and health equity organizations.

Task force shall review research on decreasing implicit biases in perinatal facilities, conduct or initiate new studies as needed, and create a public awareness campaign about implicit biases in maternal health facilities.

Task force shall submit an interim report by twenty days before the 2025 regular legislative session and a final report by July 31, 2026, including cost analysis, protocols for addressing maternal health disparities, policy recommendations, and a five-year work plan.

Appropriates general revenue funds for fiscal year 2024-2025 to support task force operations and hiring of subject matter experts; task force ceases to exist on July 31, 2026.