Bill > SB1107

This bill establishes a full-time medical education liaison position within the University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine to address healthcare gaps in specialty care across Hawaii, particularly in rural and remote areas. The liaison will support programs like Project ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes), a telehealth model that connects specialists with primary care providers to improve healthcare delivery. The liaison's specific responsibilities include organizing statewide sessions, coordinating communications between healthcare providers and specialists, developing strategies to expand program reach, assisting in data collection and analysis, and supporting program operations. The bill appropriates funds for both the liaison position and supporting specialist mentorship and guidance programs, with a particular focus on underserved specialties such as endocrinology, rheumatology, gastroenterology, and behavioral health. By creating this position, the bill aims to reduce costly travel between healthcare providers, improve specialty care access, and enhance the expertise of primary care clinicians in managing complex medical conditions throughout Hawaii.

Education

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=1107&year=2026