STAND. COM. REP. NO.  793

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2011

RE:   H.B. No. 1384

      H.D. 2

Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Sixth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2011

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred H.B. No. 1384, H.D. 2, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this bill is to improve the delivery of health care and assist patients in receiving their medications in a timely manner by requiring the John A. Burns School of Medicine to:

     (1)  Convene a working group to discuss potential improvements to the current prior authorization process for prescription medications, which requires that physicians obtain approval from a health insurance carrier to prescribe a specific medication for their patients; and

     (2)  Submit a report to the Legislature of the proceedings held and recommendations and results of implementing this measure.

     The Hawaii Medical Association, AlohaCare, American Cancer Society, Neuropathy Action Foundation, The Alliance for Plasma Therapies, Faith Action for Community Equity, and Power of Pain Foundation supported this bill.  The Hawaii Medical Service Association, Department of Human Services, Ohana Health Plan, and a concerned individual offered comments.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Finance that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1384, H.D. 2, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Finance,

____________________________

MARCUS R. OSHIRO, Chair