2018-01-26 Letter to Rosalyn H. Baker re Sb 2891, Relating to Telehealth

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Harry Kim Alaror County of Hawai i Office of the Mayor Wil Okabe Managing Director Barbara J. Kossow Deputy Managing Director 25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603 • Hilo, Hawaii 96720 • (808) 961-8211 • Fax (808) 961-6553 KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy., Bldg C • Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740 (808) 323-4444 • Fax (808) 323-4440 January 26, 2018 Senator Rosalyn H. Baker, Chair Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Health Hawai'i State Capitol, Room 230 Honolulu, HI 96813 Dear Chair Baker and Committee Members: RE: SB 2891, Relating to Telehealth Public Hearing: 02-01-18; 9:30 am — Conf. Rm. 229 Thank you for the opportunity to testify in support of SB 2891. In spite of dedicated efforts over the years, Hawaii continues to have a chronic shortage of health care providers, and the shortage apparently is only getting worse. Telehealth, while not a silver bullet, has the potential to alleviate some of the unmet needs that exist, particularly in rural areas. The direct benefit to patients is obvious, but telehealth can also help providers by offering expertise and backup that make it possible for those providers to work in underserved areas, comfortable in the knowledge that they are able to provide high quality care in spite of their remote location. Enhancing telehealth is a positive step forward, and your encouragement of its growth would be beneficial in more ways than one. Respectfully submitted, County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.