STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1059-24

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2024

RE: H.B. No. 2553

H.D. 2

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2024

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs, to which was referred H.B. No. 2553, H.D. 2, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO PHARMACISTS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to:

(1) Authorize licensed pharmacists to administer vaccines to persons three years of age or older;

(2) Authorize pharmacy interns and pharmacy technicians under the direct supervision of a pharmacist to administer vaccines to persons between the age of three and seventeen, if certain requirements are met; and

(3) Authorize licensed pharmacists to order the administration of vaccines for persons between the ages of three and seventeen.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Health; University of Hawai‘i at Hilo; Disability and Communication Access Board; Board of Pharmacy; CVS Health; Hawaii Pharmacists Association; Moloka‘i Drugs, Inc.; Walgreens Co.; National Community Pharmacists Association; KTA Super Stores; Hawai‘i Public Health Institute; and numerous individuals.

Your Committee finds that vaccinating minors against diseases is vital to protecting their health and the health of the community. However, vaccination coverage among Hawaii kindergarteners for routinely recommended childhood vaccines has declined by nearly ten percentage points between the period of 2017–2022 and remains below the national average. Your Committee further finds that due to the limited number of pediatricians and primary care providers throughout the State, the presence of pharmacies can improve access to health care, particularly in rural areas, due to dispersed locations and extended hours. This measure would ensure continued expanded access to vaccines in pharmacies, thereby improving immunization outcomes for children in Hawaii.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2553, H.D. 2, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs,

____________________________

DAVID A. TARNAS, Chair