THE SENATE

THE TWENTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE

REGULAR SESSION OF 2004

COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE, CONSUMER PROTECTION, AND HOUSING

Senator Ron Menor, Chair

Senator Rosalyn H. Baker, Vice Chair

 

NOTICE OF INFORMATIONAL BRIEFING

 

DATE:

Tuesday, January 13, 2004

TIME:

9:30 a.m.

PLACE:

Conference Room 016

State Capitol

415 South Beretania Street

A G E N D A

The purpose of the informational briefing is to preview and discuss legislation to reduce the cost of prescription drugs that will be introduced in the 2004 legislative session. The committee will review the salient features of the existing prescription drug law, explain proposed amendments, and describe the benefits to Hawaii consumers and the fiscal advantages to the state from the proposed legislation provisionally entitled Hawaii Rx Plus. The changes being considered to the Hawaii Rx Act include adding an income qualification for participation in the program, enabling Hawaii Rx Plus members to purchase at lower prices those drugs on which the state has already negotiated discounts for Medicaid recipients, and authorizing the Department of Human Services to secure further price reductions by entering into rebate agreements with pharmaceutical manufacturers. Other Senate and House subject matter committee chairs have been invited to participate in this briefing.

Persons wishing to testify should submit 25 copies of their testimony to the committee clerk, Room 219, State Capitol 24 hours prior to the hearing. Testimony may also be faxed if less than 5 pages in length, to the Senate Sergeant-At-Arms Office at 586-6659 or 1-800-586-6659 (toll free for neighbor islands), at least 24 hours prior to the hearing. When faxing, please indicate to whom the testimony is being submitted, the date and time of the hearing, and the required number of copies needed for submittal.

If you require special assistance or auxiliary aids or services to participate in the public hearing process (i.e., sign language interpreter, wheelchair accessibility, or parking designated for the disabled) please contact the committee clerk 24 hours prior to the hearing so arrangements can be made.

Public Folder. A folder labeled "Public Folder" containing the testimonies for the hearing will be available for shared use by members of the public.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL THE COMMITTEE CLERK AT 586-6740.

 

 

________________________________________

Senator Ron Menor

Chair