THE SENATE	S.R. NO.	109
TWENTY-SEVENTH LEGISLATURE, 2013
STATE OF HAWAII

SENATE RESOLUTION

 

 

encouraging the department of health to establish an emergency services patient advocate program to provide assistance to and advocate on behalf of patients receiving emergency medical care.

 

 

 

     WHEREAS, in emergency medical situations, patients and their families can become overwhelmed dealing with the medical system; and

 

     WHEREAS, patients may often be unaware of their rights regarding medical treatment and care options from emergency room physicians; and

 

     WHEREAS, patients and their family members may feel compelled or forced to accept a treatment plan for the patient even if they disagree with a diagnosis or treatment plan presented by the emergency room physician; and

 

     WHEREAS, if a patient has an advocate who explains and assists in the communication between the patient, their family members, and health care providers in emergency situations, patients and their family members may be able to make better informed decisions regarding emergency medical care treatment options; and

 

     WHEREAS, establishing an Emergency Services Patient Advocate Program would provide patient advocates in the emergency rooms in the State, enabling patients and their family members to have an advocate to assist in emergency medical care situations; now, therefore,

 

     BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Twenty-seventh Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2013, that the Department of Health is encouraged to establish an Emergency Services Patient Advocate Program to provide assistance and advocate on the behalf of patients receiving emergency medical care services; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Health is requested to adopt rules pursuant to chapter 91, Hawaii Revised Statutes, to establish the Emergency Services Patient Advocate Program; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a certified copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the Director of Health.

 

 

 

	OFFERED BY:	_____________________________

Report Title: 

Emergency Services Patient Advocate Program; Establishment