HI SR80

Requests establishment of a Telehealth Working Group to evaluate the impact of widespread telehealth adoption during the COVID-19 pandemic and identify public policy initiatives to optimize telehealth use as the state transitions out of the pandemic.

Telehealth usage in Hawaii increased by a factor of 65 during the COVID-19 pandemic and has remained at elevated levels above pre-pandemic usage.

Working Group membership includes House and Senate health committee chairs (as co-chairs), Director of Health, Insurance Commissioner, Med-QUEST Division Administrator, University of Hawaii representative, representatives from medical associations and healthcare organizations, health system representatives, and health insurer representatives.

Working Group is requested to examine the impact of telehealth adoption on safety, utilization, total cost of care, and patient and provider satisfaction, and to assess how telehealth should be integrated with in-person practice.

Working Group must submit a report with findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the 2025 Regular Session convenes.