REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO ASSESS THE SERVICES AND FUNDING NECESSARY TO ADDRESS THE NEEDS OF COMPLEX PATIENTS WHO HAVE TWO OR MORE DIAGNOSES THAT INCLUDE SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS, MENTAL HEALTH DISORDERS, OR CHRONIC PHYSICAL ILLNESSES.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Joy San Buenaventura

Hawaii DOH will assess current services and funding for patients with two or more diagnoses across substance use, mental health, and chronic illnesses to identify gaps and needs.

Resolution adopted in final form.

#chronicphysicalillness #co-occurringmultiplediagnoses #complexpatients #doh #mentalhealthdisorders #substanceusedisorders #workinggroup

Summary of SCR 149 (2026) – Hawaii

SCR 149 requests the Department of Health to assess the services and funding necessary to address the needs of complex patients who have two or more diagnoses that include substance use disorders, mental health disorders, or chronic physical illnesses.

Purpose and intent

The resolution asks the Hawaii Department of Health to conduct a formal assessment of current services and funding related to individuals with co-occurring or multiple chronic conditions.

Specifically targets patients with at least two diagnoses that involve substance use disorders, mental health disorders, or chronic physical illnesses.

Aims to identify gaps, determine the level of funding and resources required, and outline potential steps to better serve this population.

Key provisions and changes

directs the Department of Health to undertake a comprehensive assessment of:

Existing health and behavioral health services for complex patients.
Financing streams, funding adequacy, and potential funding gaps.
Service delivery barriers, coordination needs, and potential system improvements.
Recommendations for program enhancements, funding strategies, and policy considerations.

The resolution outlines that the assessment should consider both physical and behavioral health needs, as well as social determinants of health that affect these patients.

It may include development of proposed actions, timelines, and collaboration with relevant state agencies, health plans, and community partners.

Who or what would be affected

Primary: Hawaii Department of Health (DOH), which would lead the assessment.

Indirectly affected stakeholders include:

Individuals with two or more diagnoses spanning substance use, mental health, and chronic physical illnesses.
Health care providers and organizations delivering integrated or coordinated care.
State agencies involved in health, behavioral health, and social services (for potential interagency collaboration).
Payors and policymakers evaluating funding needs and program design.

Procedural and timeline aspects

SCR 149 is a concurrent resolution, requesting action by the DOH rather than establishing new law or mandatory program requirements.

The action history shows passage through committee stages and considerations, with final adoption or concurrence to be determined by the Senate in the standard legislative process.

The resolution reflects ongoing legislative interest in integrating care for complex patients and ensuring adequate funding, signaling potential follow-up in budget or programmatic structures if the DOH’s assessment identifies gaps.

Contextual notes

Co-sponsor: Joy San Buenaventura.

The measure emphasizes a data-driven approach to understand needs and resource requirements, potentially informing future policy decisions, program development, or funding requests to address complex patient populations.

If you’d like, I can compare SCR 149 to similar resolutions or provide a brief plain-language brief for stakeholders (patients, providers, and policymakers) outlining what the assessment might mean in practice.