How to Start a Health Care Clinic in Kauai, HI

Starting a healthcare clinic in Kauai involves the unique challenges of opening a business on an island that opposes construction, as well as having a small general population. However, a health-designated operation in any area of the world can be welcomed if the right steps are taken. A health clinic in Kauai should offer reasonably priced services or boast more convenient hours than a regular doctor's office. It should also be open to treating both residents and tourists, as visitors to the island make up a large percentage of medical need.

Instructions

• 1

  Share your health clinic dream with several different types of people. These may include close friends, professional colleagues, a hospital foundation administrator, and landowners. Have visual aids to present to everyone you speak to, including potential sites you have looked at, how much it will cost, what your needs will be for both staff and formation, and anything else that can make it as real to them as it is to you.

• 2

  Gather statistics about Kauai. How many healthcare clinics are there currently? What are the local income levels? What are the locations of other similar facilities on the island? What are the local laws about small business and construction? In most cases, you will have more luck starting a health clinic if you use an already existing building, since it is difficult to get permission to build in Kauai due to natural preservation laws and regulations. Use this information also to set prices for your services, making them competitive against a standard medical office, or perhaps offering a discount to local residents.

• 3

  Advertise your upcoming clinic through local newspapers and online classifieds. Send paper invitations and emails to local doctors, nurses, and potential benefactors. Even a clinic that charges for its services will still need financial support at first launch. Hold a meeting where people can get information and fill out applications for employment or volunteer work. Network with local hospitals to get some donations or good prices on equipment and supplies you'll need.

• 4

  Define a mission statement and other policies, such as access to community, confidentiality statements, governance, operations, and community support. Apply for grants. Finalize what you will charge for services. Will you use a sliding-fee scale, or have straight across the board prices?

• 5

  Secure a facility and train employees and volunteers as needed, and complete permits. Obtain your business name, license number and federal tax ID number (if you go non-profit) by applying to the state of Hawaii's Secretary of State and IRS departments. You can also use a legal preparation service to save time. Speak to the Kauai Economic Development Board and Hawaii Business Express. When all finances, building space and permits are confirmed, you can start advertising and taking patients.