HI HCR76

Requests the Department of Health to convene a Complex Needs Patient Working Group to address care for patients with multiple significant but not severe chronic conditions, including co-occurring substance use disorders, mental health disorders, and chronic physical illnesses.

Approximately 54,000 adults in Hawaii have co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders often coupled with chronic physical illnesses, and without treatment these conditions become severe.

The working group would be chaired by the Director of Health and include members from the Hawaii Substance Abuse Coalition, substance use and mental health providers, and health care facilities.

The working group would examine integrated residential treatment and therapeutic living facilities, medication-assisted treatment, mental health services, primary care coordination, peer support, and assistance with housing and employment.

The Department of Health must submit a report with findings, recommendations, and proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to the Regular Session of 2027.