HB1792

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that crystal methamphetamine addiction is a major contributor to crime in our state and negatively impacts many other aspects of our society. In many cases, addicts commit crime to support their addictions. The healing of, or cure for the addiction is vital to the overall well-being of Hawaii.

The legislature also finds that the PROMETA treatment protocol may help curtail the often violent withdrawal cravings of crystal methamphetamine addicts. Introduced in 2003, PROMETA is an integrated, physician-based treatment protocol for alcohol, cocaine, and methamphetamine dependence that uses a combination of prescription medications and nutritional supplements administered in a proprietary manner, and therapy.

The PROMETA treatment protocol consists of four steps:

(1) A comprehensive medical exam, including urine and blood tests;

(2) Administration of oral and intravenous medications and nutritional supplements over three consecutive days;

(3) A second physician-supervised treatment of two visits on consecutive days, about three weeks after the initial treatment; and

(4) One month of prescription medications and nutritional supplements, coupled with individualized after-care.

Treatment takes place at a hospital facility, a treatment center, or a physician practice that has licensed the rights to use PROMETA, and does not require long periods away from home or work.

Although the medications administered under PROMETA are Food and Drug Administration-approved, their combined application in treatment of alcohol, cocaine, and methamphetamine dependence have not yet been established. Clinical studies are being conducted.

It is imperative that our State take immediate action to control an addiction that has grown to epidemic proportions. The PROMETA method of treatment is promising, and pilot studies are already in progress in Arizona, Georgia, and South Carolina.

The purpose of this Act is to establish and appropriate funds for:

(1) A review of pilot studies being conducted in other states on use of the PROMETA treatment protocol to address the withdrawal cravings of crystal methamphetamine addicts; and

(2) A plan to adopt the PROMETA treatment protocol, if the review is favorable, as an alternative drug abuse treatment program for persons convicted of substance abuse or related offenses.

SECTION 2. (a) The department of health and chairs of the health committees of the senate and house of representatives shall conduct a review of the pilot studies being conducted in other states on use of the PROMETA treatment protocol to address the withdrawal cravings of crystal methamphetamine addicts. The review shall:

(1) Consider at least three pilot studies and their results; and

(2) Determine whether the PROMETA treatment protocol is successful in that it provides at least a thirty per cent reduction in recidivism rates for crystal methamphetamine users in the twelve months following treatment.

(b) If the review is favorable, the State shall develop a plan to adopt the PROMETA treatment protocol as an alternative drug abuse treatment program for persons convicted of substance abuse or related offenses. The plan shall include a process by which the prosecuting attorneys of each county screen and identify individuals to undergo the PROMETA treatment; provided that participation in the PROMETA treatment shall be on a strictly voluntary basis; provided further that participants shall indemnify the State of any adverse effects.

(c) The department of health shall submit to the legislature a report of its progress no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2008, and a report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2009.

SECTION 3. 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 2007-2008 for a review of the pilot studies being conducted in other states on use of the PROMETA treatment protocol to address the withdrawal cravings of crystal methamphetamine addicts.

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 2007-2008 to develop a plan to adopt the PROMETA treatment protocol as an alternative drug abuse treatment program for persons convicted of substance abuse or related offenses; provided that the department of health shall conduct price negotiations for use of the PROMETA treatment protocol.

SECTION 5. The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of health for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 6. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2007.

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	1792
TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2007
STATE OF HAWAII