HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

2580

TWENTY-EIGHTH LEGISLATURE, 2016

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

relating to sepsis.

 

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

 


     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that sepsis is an inflammatory response to a severe infection that can quickly progress to multisystem organ failure and death.  Early recognition and intensive treatment are crucial to decreasing morbidity and mortality from sepsis.  However, sepsis is not a reportable condition, and there is no single diagnostic test that identifies cases of sepsis.

     The legislature also finds that public education about sepsis symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and preventative measures is lacking because sepsis is a clinical syndrome with many causes that requires diagnosis by a clinician.  Despite the lack of public education about sepsis, groups such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Sepsis Alliance work to promote sepsis awareness.  Currently, there is no organization in Hawaii dedicated to provide education about, and raise awareness of, sepsis.

     Via the passing of house concurrent resolution no. 202, S.D. 1 (2014), the legislature expressed its commitment to support preventative measures to address the rising health problem of sepsis and established the state sepsis task force.  Specifically, house concurrent resolution no. 202, S.D. 1 (2014) requested that the director of health convene the task force to recommend ways to reduce incidents of sepsis and sepsis deaths in the State, and charged that the findings and recommendations of the task force be considered, and incorporated as feasible, as part of a comprehensive plan to be developed by the department of health.  In its January 2015 report to the legislature, the sepsis task force recommended the adoption of sepsis educational materials and initiatives by health care facilities. 

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to establish a pilot project to provide education about, and raise awareness of, sepsis in Hawaii.

     SECTION 2.  (a)  The department of health shall conduct a one-year pilot project to provide education about, and raise awareness of, sepsis across the State.

     (b)  The pilot project shall:

     (1)  Encourage the adoption of sepsis educational material and initiatives by healthcare facilities in the State; and

     (2)  Disseminate current best practices to healthcare facilities in the State regarding sepsis early recognition and intervention.

     (c)  The department of health shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations relating to the execution and outcome of the pilot project, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2017.

SECTION 3.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $         or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2016-2017 for a one‑year pilot project to provide education about, and raise awareness of, sepsis across the State.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of health for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2016.

 

INTRODUCED BY:

_____________________________

 

 


 


 

Report Title:

Department of Health; Sepsis; Appropriation

 

Description:

Requires the DOH to conduct a one-year pilot project for sepsis education and awareness.  Appropriates funds.  Effective 7/1/2016.

 

 

 

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.