- REPRESENTATION AND ADVOCACY
One of HAH's greatest strengths is effective and credible representation of its members to government policy makers, lawmakers, administrators and regulators in Hawaii and nationally.
HAH assists its members, the general public, and the government by conducting studies and surveys which provide decision makers with the necessary data to make informed choices on health care policies, laws and budgetary allotments.
Recent legislative priorities have included Medicare and Medicaid payments to facilities, patient safety, confidentiality of patient information, and increasing our health care workforce.
- COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLIC RELATIONS
HAH effectively communicates with its members and with the community on issues concerning access to affordable quality health care.
Opportunities exist for members to offer their services on HAH, AHA, AHCA, NAHC, and NHPCO committees. As such, HAH members are the voice for their colleagues at the state or national level.
HAH has four permanent committees, and multiple task forces have been formed to address emerging issues. Active member input and participation enriches the work of committees and benefits the entire membership.
Two very active entities within the Association are the Emergency Management Committee (EMC) and the Patient Safety Task Force (PSTF). The EMC coordinates emergency health care services with state and county civil defense agencies to ensure the state's ability to cope with all types of disaster. The PSTF was established in 2001 to take a proactive approach to address national and local concerns about patient safety.
HAH publishes a monthly newsletter, Health Care News, to communicate Association and industry issues and activities.
Legislative tracking is made available on the HAH website providing the status of all state legislation identified as priorities by HAH members.
- EDUCATION AND RESEARCH
HAH provides its members with the opportunity to meet and discuss issues and concerns of mutual interest and to seek solutions which improve the individual and collective health of the people of Hawaii. HAH sponsors membership meetings and educational seminars to assist providers in staying current in their areas of expertise, identifying emerging trends, and improving the quality and delivery of health care services.
HAH has undertaken detailed studies of human resources in our healthcare facilities. HAH founded and supports the Farrington Health Academy for students who plan a career in the health care field. HAH has worked with the University of Hawaii to create and expand educational programs for healthcare professionals. Providing an adequate workforce is vital to ensuring that the citizens of Hawaii have immediate access to quality health services when they are needed.
