THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	693
THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2023		S.D. 1
STATE OF HAWAII		H.D. 2

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO PHARMACISTS.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that there is currently a statewide physician shortage. According to the federal Health Resources and Services Administration, each county in the State contains a region that is a medically underserved area, as defined by the Public Health Service Act of 1944, P.L. 78-410.

The legislature further finds that pharmacists can help bridge the gaps created by the physician shortage. A pharmacist's skill set includes educating patients on how and when to check blood sugar, ways to avoid and manage hypoglycemia, how to take their medications correctly to avoid adverse effects, and various medication utilization techniques. Additionally, patients are three times more likely to stay out of the hospital when pharmacists provide clinical services after a hospital discharge.

However, the legislature also finds it prudent to conduct an assessment of the social and financial impacts of mandating health insurance reimbursement requirements for certain pharmacists.

Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to require the auditor to conduct a social and financial assessment of proposed reimbursement coverage for care provided by participating registered pharmacists practicing within the scope of their license.

SECTION 2. (a) Notwithstanding the requirement of a referral by concurrent resolution pursuant to section 23-51, Hawaii Revised Statutes, the auditor shall assess, in accordance with sections 23-51 and 23-52, Hawaii Revised Statutes, the social and financial effects of mandating health insurance coverage for care provided by a participating registered pharmacist practicing within the scope of the pharmacist's license for purposes of health maintenance or treatment to the extent that the policy provides benefits for identical services rendered by another health care provider, as provided in Senate Bill No. 693, S.D. 1, H.D. 1 (regular session of 2023).

(b) The auditor shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2024.

SECTION 3. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2023-2024 to conduct the impact study required by section 2 of this Act.

The sums appropriated shall be expended by the auditor for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on June 30, 3000.

Report Title:

Auditor; Impact Study; Insurance Coverage; Pharmacists; Reimbursement; Report; Appropriation

Description:

Requires the auditor to conduct an assessment on the social and financial impacts of mandating health insurance coverage for care provided by a participating registered pharmacist practicing within the scope of the pharmacist's license. Requires a report to the legislature before the 2024 regular session. Appropriates funds. Effective 6/30/3000. (HD2)

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.