HI HB1279

Establishes a full-time medical education liaison position within the University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine to support programs like Project ECHO that connect medical specialists with primary care providers through mentorship and telemonitoring

Liaison responsibilities include organizing statewide sessions, coordinating communications between healthcare providers and specialists, expanding program reach, and evaluating program outcomes

Appropriates $200,000 for fiscal year 2025-2026 and the same amount for fiscal year 2026-2027 to support specialist mentorship programs for primary care providers

Appropriates an unspecified sum for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 to fund the 1.0 FTE medical education liaison position

Addresses gaps in specialty care access in Hawaii, particularly in endocrinology, rheumatology, gastroenterology, and behavioral health, especially in rural and remote areas; effective July 1, 2025