RELATING TO HEALTH.

Authorizes SHPDA to monitor and audit services for persons with developmental disabilities or mental retardation; authorizes SHPDA administrator to appoint staff; removes projects dedicated to meeting the State's obligations under court orders from exemptions from certificates of need requirements; transfers the office of health care assurance to SHPDA.

RELATING TO HEALTH.

Expands the hospital and medical facilities special fund to include education and public outreach. Provides that administrative penalties be deposited into the general fund.

RELATING TO ELDERLY CARE.

Extends the duration of the PACE demonstration project at Maluhia.

RELATING TO RESPITE SERVICES.

Establishes the Hawaii respite services trust fund to provide funding for grants to caregivers for respite services.

RELATING TO EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES.

Requires DOH to include in standards for EMS services, standards requiring ambulance service providers licensed by the state to establish and maintain an alcohol and substance abuse policy for employees that is comparable to those holding commercial drivers' licenses.

RELATING TO QUALIFIED IMPROVEMENT TAX CREDIT.

Provides a tax credit for improvements made to federally qualified health centers.

RELATING TO MEDICAID.

Sets medicaid payments at a level closer to the actual costs of quality care offered by providers. Makes appropriations.

RELATING TO THE PRACTICE OF PHARMACY.

Redefines pharmacy to include a wide range of activities.

RELATING TO PRESCRIPTION DRUGS.

Creates special fund to hold Medicaid prescription drug rebates to State, to be earmarked for prescription drug program for uninsured or for S-CHIP program; directs governor to convene a blue ribbon committee to determine how to utilize funds and to submit proposal to legislature.

RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES.

Establishes program under DHS to allow non-QUEST and medically uninsured persons to purchase prescription drugs at Medicaid rate.