Hawaii House Bill HCR76

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/12/26
• Refer: 3/18/26

Caption

Requesting The Department Of Health To Convene A Complex Needs Patient Working Group To Address The Needs, Services, And Funding For Complex Needs Patients Who Have Multiple Significant But Not Severe Diagnoses Of Chronic Conditions, Including Substance Use Disorders, Mental Health Disorders, Or Chronic Physical Illness Conditions.

Impact

The resolution targets approximately 54,000 adults in Hawaii who exemplify the complex needs patient population. By calling for the formation of the Complex Needs Patient Working Group, HCR76 aims to develop integrated care strategies that combine medical, behavioral, and social treatments. This initiative seeks to ensure that healthcare services are delivered through coordinated care plans by multidisciplinary teams, thus enhancing patient engagement and improving care outcomes. Additionally, it aims to align state services with federal funding opportunities to facilitate effective treatment models.

Summary

HCR76 is a House Concurrent Resolution from the 33rd Legislature of Hawaii, which requests the Department of Health to convene a working group to focus on the needs, services, and funding for patients with complex needs. These patients often have co-occurring conditions such as substance use disorders, mental health disorders, and chronic physical illnesses. The resolution recognizes the challenges faced by this demographic, characterized by fragmented healthcare experiences leading to significant costs, frequent emergency visits, and poor health outcomes, as well as the burden placed on state social services such as Medicaid and Medicare.

Contention

There are potential points of contention surrounding HCR76, specifically regarding resource allocation and the types of services that should be prioritized. Critics might argue about the adequacy of funding and the potential bureaucratic hurdles involved in establishing integrated care facilities. Also, differing opinions may arise concerning the framework of services deemed necessary to address the range of patients' complex needs effectively, including the emphasis on trauma-informed care, peer support, and the inclusion of cultural responsiveness in treatment programs.