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Committee approves grant program to connect rural providers to electronic health records; cost estimated at $20–25 million
Summary
The committee passed HB 716 with amendments and recorded provider estimates that creating statewide connectivity to electronic health records would cost roughly $20–25 million as a one‑time expenditure. Witnesses said the grant would target rural clinics, critical access hospitals and other providers lacking infrastructure.
The committee voted to pass HB 716, which would create a grant program to fund electronic health record connectivity and interoperability for health providers across the state, especially rural and neighbor‑island facilities.
State and provider witnesses described the initiative as a one‑time infrastructure investment to connect providers who currently cannot afford comprehensive EHR systems. Dr. Lewin of the State Health Planning and Development Agency said an estimated $20–25 million would be required to get rural clinics and critical access hospitals operationally connected; witnesses stressed that the investment would be a one‑time cost and that ongoing maintenance would be borne by providers.
OCHIN and other providers testified in support, saying the grant would help those “left behind technologically” and enable better care coordination and response to health crises. Committee members asked whether the program would be first‑come, first‑serve and whether matching funds or phased approaches could expand reach; witnesses acknowledged some providers could be left out if funds ran out.
The committee adopted the chair’s recommendation to pass with amendments, including a committee note of the $20–25 million estimate for the committee report and a technical effective date change. The bill proceeds as a grant program; final scope and appropriation will be determined in later stages.
