In a ceremony at The University of Hawaiʻi Maui College on June 13, Gov. Josh Green signed legislation to expand access to health care on Maui and to uplift career advancement opportunities for health care workers in the state.
To address the statewide shortage of health care workers, Green signed HB 353 (Act 74), which appropriates $130,000 for instructional costs for the Certified Nurse Aide-to-Practical Nurse Bridge Program at UH Maui College; and $200,000 to provide student aid to participants in the program at the school. The appropriation includes funds for tuition, fees, supplies and related costs.
The program is designed especially for working certified nurse aides and other health care professionals who want to become licensed practical nurses, and will enhance the quality and provision of health care services on Maui.
“This funding contributes to a robust education system in providing health workforce education and training, to enhance the quality of health care in our community and address the dire shortage of health care workers in our state,” said Green.
The program partners with Hale Makua, ʻOhana Pacific Health and Kaiser Permanente Hawaiʻi, and provides eligible Maui and Oʻahu health care professionals with the opportunity to become licensed practical nurses while they are working.
“This is a proud day for UH Maui, as we will be able to contribute greatly to helping our state’s health care system staff up, while at the same time, affording certified nurse aides an opportunity to advance their careers through the bridge program,” said UH Maui College Chancellor Lui Hokoana.
