Rep/Dr. Green to Propose Health Care Legislation

Thanks to Hunter Bishop of HunterBishop.com, who posted this blog report on last Saturday's healthcare conference at Waikoloa. Rep. Josh Green (District 6 - North Kona, Keauhou, Kailua-Kona, Honokohau), gave the keynote address and talked about his plans to propose 2008 legislation. Rep. Green is chair of the House Health Committee. Hunter wrote:

"Green spoke of legislation he will propose to overcome dire shortages of almost everything related to health care on Hawaii Island system, which affects not only lives but the economy as well. Much of Green's plan targets financial incentives for doctors to establish practices here. Green also wants to establish health care enterprise zones to promote new facilities, and he called on the County of Hawaii to establish a health care "czar" to take charge of the county's needs with a dedicated fund and the power to spend it without a lot of oversight."

In answer to a question on tort reform, Hunter added:

"Yes, tort reform was a constant refrain at the conference. Rep. Green said he would introduce a tort reform bill this session separate from his doctor incentives and enterprise zone bills. He didn't want the latter two bogged down in a tort reform battle."