STAND. COM. REP. NO.  1229

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2009

RE:   S.B. No. 585

      S.D. 2

      H.D. 1

Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Fifth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2009

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce, to which was referred S.B. No. 585, S.D. 2, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO REMOTE DISPENSING,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this bill is to ensure access to prescription medications in rural and underserved areas of the state by allowing remote dispensing pharmacies (RDP) located on islands without pharmacies, in health maintenance organization facilities, or in areas at least five miles from another pharmacy to:

     (1)  Provide medications to patients with any health insurance coverage;

     (2)  Dispense controlled substances; and

     (3)  Continue operating in the same location if a pharmacy is subsequently established on the same island or within five miles of the RDP.

     The Department of Public Safety, Board of Pharmacy, Hawaii Medical Service Association, Straub Lanai Family Health Center, Kaiser Permanente Hawaii, Lanai Women's Center, and Hawaii Alliance for Retired Americans supported this bill.  Walgreens Co. supported the intent of this measure.  Several concerned pharmacy owners submitted comments.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 585, S.D. 2, H.D. 1, and recommends that it be referred to the Committee on Finance.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce,

____________________________

ROBERT N. HERKES, Chair