THE SENATE

S.B. NO.

2878

TWENTY-NINTH LEGISLATURE, 2018

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

Relating to the Department of Health.

 

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

 


     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines "Health in All Policies" (HiAP) as "a collaborative approach that integrates and articulates health considerations into policymaking across sectors to improve the health of all communities and people.  HiAP recognizes that health is created by a multitude of factors beyond healthcare and, in many cases, beyond the scope of traditional public health activities".  The HiAP approach was introduced by the federal government with tools for states and territories to improve health outcomes, and to be an effective way to identify gaps in evidence and to achieve health equity.

     The American Public Health Association states the goal of HiAP is to "ensure that decision-makers are informed about the health, equity, and sustainability consequences of various policy options during the policy development process".  The implementation of HiAP requires the following five key strategies:

     (1)  Engaging and visioning;

     (2)  Convening and collaborating;

     (3)  Developing a plan;

     (4)  Investing in change; and

     (5)  Tracking progress.

     The legislature also finds that Act 155, Session Laws of Hawaii 2014, added the "[e]limination of health disparities by identifying and addressing social determinants of health" to the State's objectives and policies in section 226-20(a), Hawaii Revised Statutes, and Act 157, Session Laws of Hawaii 2014, amended section 321-1, Hawaii Revised Statutes, by adding that the department of health "shall pursue as a goal, the achievement of health equity.  The department shall consider social determinants of health in the assessment of state needs for health".  These additions are consistent with HiAP goals to achieve health equity across communities and to do so by acknowledging and working collaboratively with governmental and non-governmental sectors.

     However, the legislature finds that further updating the statutory description of the department of health's powers and duties, to describe population-based public health programs and employ multi-sectoral strategies to improve health outcomes, would enhance the department's goal of health equity.  Thus, the purpose of this Act is to establish a working group to evaluate and advise on updating the powers, duties, functions, and responsibilities of the department of health relating to specific programs and parts in the Hawaii Revised Statutes, to align with population-based approaches to public health and prevention that incorporate HiAP approaches and goals.

     SECTION 2.  (a)  The department of health shall establish a working group to examine and develop recommendations to include, in the department of health's statutory powers, duties, functions, and responsibilities, population-based approaches to public health and prevention that recognize that health is created by a multitude of factors beyond health care and requires a collaborative approach.

     (b)  The members of the working group shall designate a chairperson from among themselves.

     (c)  The working group shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days before the convening of the regular session of 2019.

     SECTION 3.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2018-2019 to support the activities of the working group established pursuant to this Act.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of health for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2018.

 

INTRODUCED BY:

_____________________________

 

 


 


 

Report Title:

Department of Health; Working Group; Health in All Policies; Appropriation

 

Description:

Establishes a working group to examine and advise on amendments that can be made to the department of health's statutory powers, duties, functions, and responsibilities to include population-based approaches to public health and prevention that recognize the multiple factors beyond health care and the collaborative approach required to create health.  Appropriates funds to support the activities of the working group.

 

 

 

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.