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 is a House Resolution that requests the Hawaii Department of Health to form a working group focused on improving care for patients with multiple chronic conditions, including substance use disorders, mental health disorders, and physical illnesses. The working group would examine how to better coordinate services, funding, and treatment approaches for these individuals who often struggle with fragmented care systems. Key considerations include developing integrated residential and outpatient programs, expanding medication-assisted treatment, improving care coordination, and addressing social needs like housing and employment. The Department of Health is asked to lead this effort by inviting relevant stakeholders and submitting a report with recommendations to the Legislature by early 2027.