Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2005

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Health, to which was referred S.B. No. 1624 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to exempt physicians licensed in the State of Hawaii from the requirement of obtaining preauthorization prior to treating Medicaid recipients suffering from human immunodeficiency virus, acquired immune deficiency virus, hepatitis C, or transplant patients in need of immunosuppressives.

Testimony in support of the measure was received from the National Association of Hepatitis Task Forces, the Hepatitis Hale Treatment & Support Program and the Hepatitis Prevention, Education, Treatment, and Support Network of Hawaii, and two individuals. Testimony in opposition to the measure was received from the Department of Human Services.

Your Committee finds that the present requirement of preauthorization in order to treat a Medicaid patient suffering from human immunodeficiency virus, acquired immune deficiency virus, hepatitis C, or being a transplant patient in need of immunosuppressives, hinders the ability of a physician to quickly respond to the sometimes rapidly deteriorating health of a patient afflicted with these illnesses and conditions. Your Committee also finds that a preauthorization exemption for physicians licensed in this State will allow these physicians to promptly respond to the medical needs of these patients and will afford them the flexibility to tailor medication treatment to meet patients' needs.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Health that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 1624 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Housing.