HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-02-20 Letter to Donovan M. Dela Cruz and Gilbert S.C. Keith-Agaran re SB 2891 Relating to TelehealthHarry Kim
lifqror
Wil Okabe
Alanaging Director
Barbara J. Kossow
Depitti Alum/ging Dwector
Offirr of fir
25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603 t Hilo, Hawaii 96720 • (808) 961-8211 • Fax (808) 961-6553
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11
Fe ruary 20, 2018
Senator Donovan M. Del' Cruz, Chair
Committee on Ways and 1eas
Hawaii State Capitol, Room 211
Honolulu, HI 96813
Senator Gilbert S.C. Keith-Agaran, Vice Chair
Committee on Ways and Means
Hawaii State Capitol, Room 211
Honolulu, HI 96813
Dear Cha Dela Cruz, Vice -Chair Keith-Agaran an Com thee
err
bers:
Re: SB 2891 Relating to Telehealth
Hearing Date: 02/21/18 — 10:08 am; Conference Room 211
Thank you for the oportunity to testify in support of SB 2891.
In spite of sedicated 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 o.vious, but telehealth can also help proviiers by
offering expertise aid backup that make it possible for those provi•ers to work in
underserved areas. comforted by the knowledge that they are able to provide high
quality care in spite of their remote location.
Enhancing telehealth is a positive ste forward, and your encouragement of its
growth would be beneficial in more ways than one.
Resp;ctfully subrnitted,
•
Harry Kim
Mayor, County of Hawaiti
C,nmyty of lawai`i 1 ui Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.