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.

This bill requests the Hawaii Department of Health to form a working group to study the needs, services, and funding for patients with multiple chronic conditions that are significant but not severe, including co-occurring substance use, mental health, and physical illnesses. The proposed working group would include representatives from various health agencies and service providers to examine how integrated care models can better serve this population, which currently faces fragmented treatment and high healthcare costs. The group is tasked with evaluating specific service options such as residential treatment facilities, medication-assisted treatment, mental health care, primary health services, and support for housing and employment. The Department of Health must submit a report with findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the Legislature by early 2027.