Bill Text: HI SB2899 | 2024 | Regular Session | Introduced


Bill Title: Relating To Pharmacists.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)

Status: (Introduced) 2024-01-24 - Referred to HHS/CPN, WAM. [SB2899 Detail]

Download: Hawaii-2024-SB2899-Introduced.html

THE SENATE

S.B. NO.

2899

THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2024

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 S.B. No. 693, S.D. 1, H.D. 1 (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 2025.

     SECTION 3.  In accordance with section 9 of article VII of the Hawaii State Constitution and sections 37‑91 and 37‑93, Hawaii Revised Statutes, the legislature has determined that the appropriations contained in H.B. No. 300, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, C.D. 1, and this Act will cause the state general fund expenditure ceiling for fiscal year 2023‑2024 to be exceeded by $                or         per cent.  This current declaration takes into account general fund appropriations authorized for fiscal year 2023‑2024 in H.B. No. 300, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, C.D. 1, and this Act only.  The reasons for exceeding the general fund expenditure ceiling are that:

     (1)  The appropriation made in this Act is necessary to serve the public interest; and

     (2)  The appropriation made in this Act meets the needs addressed by this Act.

     SECTION 4.  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 2024-2025 to conduct the impact study required by section 2 of this Act.

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

     SECTION 5.  Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 6.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2024.

 

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

Auditor; Impact Study; Insurance Coverage; Pharmacists; Reimbursement; Report; Expenditure Ceiling; 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 2025 regular session.  Declares that the general fund expenditure is exceeded.  Makes an appropriation.

 

 

 

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

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