STAND. COM. REP. NO.  1123-20

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2020

 

RE:   S.B. No. 2337

      S.D. 2

      H.D. 1

 

 

 

 

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2020

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Human Services & Homelessness, to which was referred S.B. No. 2337, S.D. 2, entitled:

 

"A BILL FOR AN ACT MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR THE OFFICE OF THE LONG-TERM CARE OMBUDSMAN PROGRAM,"

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     The purpose of this measure is to support the needs of Hawaii's elderly by establishing and funding five long-term care ombudsmen specialist positions within the Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman.

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Executive Office on Aging, State Long-Term Care Ombudsman, Office of the Mayor of the County of Hawaii, AARP Hawaii, Hawaii Family Caregiver Coalition, and four individuals.

 

     Your Committee finds that the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program (Program) is required by federal law and state law to protect the human and civil rights of residents in all long-term care settings.  Federal law requires the Long-Term Care Ombudsman to visit facilities quarterly; respond to complaints; engage in investigations; provide information, assistance, and referrals to long-term residents and their families; facilitate family councils statewide; provide community education; and administer the Program. 

 

     Your Committee further finds that the Program is currently staffed by the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman, a volunteer coordinator, and an Oahu Ombudsman position.  The three contracted positions for the counties of Hawaii, Kauai, and Maui are trained Ombudsmen and have assisted to expand quarterly visits; however, the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman indicated in testimony before your Committee that these contract staff do not replace the unmet needs of full-time staff.  Your Committee recognizes the essential role of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman and staff in advocating for and responding to the needs and concerns of residents in long-term care settings.

 

     Your Committee finds that the companion to this measure, H.B. No. 1872, H.D. 1 (Regular Session of 2020), was previously passed by the House.

 

Your Committee has amended this measure by deleting its contents and inserting the contents of H.B. No. 1872, H.D. 1, a measure that establishes and funds an unspecified number of long-term care ombudsmen specialist positions within the Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman.

 

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Human Services & Homelessness that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2337, S.D. 2, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 2337, S.D. 2, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Finance.

 

 

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Human Services & Homelessness,

 

 

 

 

____________________________

JOY A. SAN BUENAVENTURA, Chair