HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

512

THIRTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE, 2021

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

RELATING TO MOBILE HEALTH SERVICES.

 

 

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

 


     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that mobile health clinics are an innovative model of health services delivery that provides a variety of services to vulnerable populations.  Mobile health clinics, described as a basic doctor's office or exam room located inside a large van, bus, or recreational vehicle, travel to medically underserved areas to help connect patients to care.  These clinics provide various health services, ranging from primary care and dental care, to mammography, pediatric, mental health, asthma, maternal and infant health, disaster relief, vision, and other services.

     The National Institutes of Health states that some studies have concluded that mobile health clinics are particularly impactful in offering urgent care, providing preventative health screenings, and initiating chronic disease managements.  The National Institutes of Health further states that current literature supports that mobile health clinics are successful in reaching vulnerable populations by delivering services directly at the curbside in communities of need and flexibly adapting their services based on the changing needs of the target community.  

     The legislature also finds that the coronavirus pandemic has exacerbated the need to look at options for providing medical care to the community, particularly underserved and vulnerable populations.  Information and communication technology through mobile communications are also transforming the way healthcare services are being delivered.  The legislature finds that medical vans and other "health on wheels" services in the State provide mobile medical and social services directly to individuals and families in need, including providing medical and hygiene services for the homeless.

     The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds for mobile health clinics in the State.

     SECTION 2.  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 2021-2022 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2022-2023 for mobile health clinics in the State.

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

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2021.

 

INTRODUCED BY:

_____________________________

 

 


 


 

Report Title:

Mobile Health Clinics; Mobile Services; DOH

 

Description:

Appropriates funds for each year of the 2021-2023 fiscal biennium for mobile health clinics in the State.

 

 

 

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