Government Affairs Update
March 7, 2008
Nomination to Commission
Carol Ball, will be confirmed by the full Senate in the coming week for her nomination to the Real Estate Commission for a second term. HAR testified in support of her nomination.
Update by Legislator
This year, HAR has opened its doors to legislators to offer perspective on issues of interest that impact not only groups, individuals, or REALTORS®, but the whole state.
> HIGHLIGHT February 22 - Senator Colleen Hanabusa
This week, we have House Health Chairman, Josh Green M.D.
As the only physician in Hawai‘i Government, I am keenly aware of the healthcare crisis that looms for Hawa‘ii, one which in many ways arrived on the Neighbor Islands years ago.
During the week I chair the Health Committee at the Capitol, and every weekend during the session I work a 48hr shift in Big Island Emergency Departments. When session is in recess, I work 90hr weeks to keep our rural ERs open. I believe this has given me a unique perspective on Hawai‘i's healthcare system.
THE CRISIS
Reimbursement shortfalls from many providers will drive many physicians away from Hawai‘i and ultimately also result in decreased services at our private and public hospitals. To reverse this trend, I have submitted legislation to agressively challenge the monopoly insurer to improve payments to our healthcare system. I also am working with House and Senate leadership, the administration and our Washington D.C. delegation to increase state and federal monies for healthcare.
As a legislator/physician, I am also convinced that a meaningful compromise on medical malpractice reform must be reached to keep physicians in practice and on call in Hawai‘i. The critical shortage of specialists and primary care doctors on the Neighbor Islands threatens to drive people away from some our most treasured communities. My bill, HB 1992, that addresses medical tort liability, was temporarily defeated when it did not receive a hearing.
To solve this problem I wrote and sponsored The Hawai‘i Rural Health Act, HB 2519, a measure which will provide medical school loan forgiveness to doctors and dentists who commit to practicing in our underserved communities (virtually everywhere) for 3 to 5 years.
This bill also provides for tax-exemptions for people who invest in building critical healthcare infrastructure in Hawai‘i such as long-term care facilites for our Kupuna and retirees, and new offices for specialists who care for all of us.
Finally, I continue to push for legislation which will allow sole-proprietors such as realtors and other small businesses to buy affordable health insurance, as though they worked in much larger firms.
In summary, I am absolutely aware that if we want Hawai‘i to continue to be the best place to live, to raise our children and to retire, we must act now to stem the tide of a looming healthcare crisis that threatens each and everyone of our families.
Please contact me anytime, personally, email me at joshuaboothgreen@ yahoo.com, so that we can share ideas on how to make Hawai‘i a better home for our families.
But rest assured, I will be focused on our state's critical healthcare needs for years to come.
Sincerely,
Josh Green M.D.
Chair, Health Committee
Hawai‘i State House of Representatives
For the most current and detailed information on bills, go to http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov for bill status and descriptions.