HI HB474

Appropriates $100,000 from general revenues to the Department of Health for fiscal year 2025-2026 and an equal amount for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the current fall prevention campaign.

Establishes that falls among seniors age 65 and older in Hawaii cause an average of 49% of fatal injuries and 61% of injury-related emergency room visits, resulting in approximately 114 deaths, 10,000 hospitalizations, and 6,100 emergency department visits annually.

Notes that fall-related costs exceed $100,000,000 in combined hospital charges each year and that fall prevention services can reduce costs through expedited treatment and prevention of serious long-term consequences.

References Act 153 (Session Laws of Hawaii 2014) which established a fall prevention and early detection coordinator position within the Department of Health's Emergency Medical Services and Injury Prevention System Branch.

Takes effect on July 1, 2025.