STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1531-24

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2024

RE: H.R. No. 162

H.D. 1

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2024

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Health & Homelessness, to which was referred H.R. No. 162 entitled:

"HOUSE RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE AUDITOR TO ASSESS THE CHALLENGES TO THE TIMELY DELIVERY OF HEALTH CARE SERVICES IN THE STATE DUE TO PRIOR AUTHORIZATION REQUIREMENTS AND INCLUDE AN ANALYSIS OF PRIOR AUTHORIZATION REFORM, WITH INPUT OF DATA AND FEEDBACK FROM ALL STAKEHOLDERS, INCLUDING PATIENT ADVOCATES, PROVIDERS, FACILITIES, AND PAYERS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to request the Auditor to assess the challenges to the timely delivery of health care services in the State due to prior authorization requirements and include an analysis of prior authorization reform, with input of data and feedback from all stakeholders, including patient advocates, providers, facilities, and payers.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the State Health Planning and Development Agency; Hawaii Medical Service Association; Hawaii Medical Association; Hawaii Association of Professional Nurses; and six individuals. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Office of the Auditor.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Amending the resolution to change the Auditors assessment to a study conducted by the Legislative Reference Bureau;

(2) Inserting language to clarify the contents of the study;

(3) Amending the title to reflect the change from the Auditor assessment to the Legislative Reference Bureau study; and

(4) Making technical, non-substantive amendments for the purpose of clarity, consistency, and style.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Health & Homelessness that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.R. No. 162, as amended herein, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Finance in the form attached hereto as H.R. No. 162, H.D. 1.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Health & Homelessness,

____________________________

DELLA AU BELATTI, Chair