HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

2047

THIRTIETH LEGISLATURE, 2020

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

relating to health.

 

 

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

 


     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that many persons who have been diagnosed with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder face profound challenges in navigating the State's present system of care.  Many individuals with diagnoses on the spectrum cope with lifelong physical, cognitive, or behavioral disabilities but age out of eligibility for care services once they become adults.  Persons having fetal alcohol spectrum disorders or their parents or caregivers may also find it difficult to access proactive therapies that teach coping skills, improve functioning, and foster community connections.  The absence of these care services can be devastating for those who face cognitive or behavioral deficits due to their conditions:  approximately fifty per cent of persons diagnosed with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder ultimately become involved with the criminal justice system.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to establish a task force to identify therapies and home- and community-based care services that may benefit persons having fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, including therapies and treatments that may benefit them as adults.  The task force shall also make recommendations on how the State can best make these services available and accessible to persons having fetal alcohol spectrum disorders and their parents or caregivers.

     SECTION 2.  (a)  There is established within the behavioral health services administration of the department of health a task force to review best care practices for persons having fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, including therapies and treatments commonly needed as adults.  The task force shall consist of:

     (1)  A representative of the behavioral health services administration of the department of health;

     (2)  A representative of the developmental disabilities division of the department of health;

     (3)  A representative of the department of human services;

     (4)  A representative of the med-QUEST division of the department of human services;

     (5)  A representative of the state council on developmental disabilities;

     (6)  At least one representative from a med-QUEST health plan, who shall be invited to participate;

     (7)  A member to be selected by the chair of the house committee on human services and homelessness;

     (8)  A member to be selected by the chair of the house committee on health;

     (9)  A member to be selected by the chair of the senate committee on commerce, consumer protection, and health;

    (10)  At least one member of a developmental or intellectual disability advocacy group, who shall be invited to participate;

    (11)  Two parent-advocates to be selected and invited to participate by the speaker of the house of representatives;

    (12)  Two parent-advocates to be selected and invited to participate by the president of the senate; and

    (13)  Any additional representatives from state agencies, stakeholders, advocates, parent-advocates, or other individuals as deemed necessary by the majority of the task force members.

     (b)  The task force shall conduct a study and submit a report of its findings and recommendations to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2021.  The study shall include:

     (1)  Identification of all populations and sub-populations having fetal alcohol spectrum disorders in the State that currently, or may in the future, experience burdens in navigating and accessing care services;

     (2)  Identification of therapies and home- and community-based care services that may benefit persons having fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, including therapies and treatments that may benefit those persons as adults.  These may include but are not limited to:

          (A)  Assistive technology;

          (B)  Career planning, including vocational assessment and job placement services;

          (C)  Community transition services;

          (D)  Day habilitation;

          (E)  Family support;

          (F)  Home modifications;

          (G)  Nutritional consultation;

          (H)  Residential habilitation;

          (I)  Respite care;

          (J)  Specialized skill development, including behavioral specialist, community support, and systematic skill building services;

          (K)  Supported employment, including extended employment supports, and intensive job coaching;

          (L)  Temporary supplemental services;

          (M)  Therapeutic care;

          (N)  Transitional work services;

          (O)  Vehicle modifications; and

          (P)  Supportive housing;

     (3)  Recommendations for any changes to state policies and administrative rules that may increase access to therapies and home- and community-based services for persons having fetal alcohol spectrum disorder and their parents or caregivers; and

     (4)  Recommendations for any necessary legislation.

     (c)  The members of the task force shall serve without compensation but shall be reimbursed for necessary expenses, including travel expenses, incurred for service on the task force.  No member of the task force shall be made subject to section 84-17, Hawaii Revised Statutes, solely because of that member's participation on the task force.

     (d)  The task force shall convene no later than thirty days after the effective date of this Act.

     (e)  The task force shall serve until it has accomplished the objectives of this Act or twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2021, whichever occurs first.

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2020.

 

INTRODUCED BY:

_____________________________

 

 


 


 

Report Title:

DOH; Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder; Task Force

 

Description:

Establishes a task force within the Department of Health to identify therapies and home- and community-based care services that may benefit persons having fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, including therapies and treatments that may benefit them as adults.  Requires the task force to recommend any necessary policy changes, rule changes, or legislation to increase access to these therapies and services.  Requires a report to the Legislature.

 

 

 

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