Bill > HB1112

This bill establishes a comprehensive Hepatitis Prevention Program within Hawaii's Department of Health to address the high rates of hepatitis B and C mortality, particularly among Asian and Pacific Islander residents. The program will focus on four key priorities: raising awareness and education about hepatitis, increasing access to healthcare services, ensuring health equity, and collecting and analyzing relevant data to support prevention and treatment. The bill authorizes the department to develop a statewide prevention plan that includes screening and support services for individuals with hepatitis, and to collaborate with various stakeholders like healthcare providers and community organizations. Additionally, the bill repeals an outdated section of law about blood transfusions and hepatitis and modifies existing statutes related to hepatitis screening. To support these efforts, the bill appropriates funding for the creation of three new positions within the Department of Health: a program specialist, an epidemiological specialist, and an office assistant. The legislation stems from findings that Hawaii has significantly higher hepatitis-related mortality rates compared to national averages, with 88% of hepatitis C patients dying before reaching the state's average life expectancy, despite the availability of prevention and treatment tools.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1112&year=2025