Prohibits the department of social services from restricting payment for or a recipient's access to psychotropic medication.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. Chapter 346, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§346-   Psychotropic medication. (a) The department shall not impose any restriction or limitation on the payment for or a recipient's access to psychotropic medication; provided that the psychotropic medication shall be prescribed by a licensed medical care provider pursuant to the laws of this State.

(b) As used in this section, the term "psychotropic medication" means only those agents related to the diagnosis and treatment of mental or emotional disorders, including controlled substances."

SECTION 2. 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 2005-2006, and the same sum, or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2006-2007, to provide unrestricted payment for and access to psychotropic medication for recipients under chapter 346, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

SECTION 3. The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of human services for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 4. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2005.