STAND. COM. REP. NO.  712-12

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2012

RE:   H.B. No. 1966

      H.D. 2

Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Sixth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2012

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce, to which was referred H.B. No. 1966, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO VACCINATIONS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to expand the availability of vaccinations to Hawaii residents by allowing pharmacists, in accordance with a valid prescription, to administer the influenza vaccine (flu vaccine) to persons between fourteen and seventeen years of age.

The Department of Health, Hawaii Association of Health Plans, Hawaii Medical Service Association, Walgreen Co., Safeway, and Times Supermarkets supported this bill.  The Board of Pharmacy supported the intent of this measure.

     After careful consideration, your Committee has amended this measure by:

     (1)  Requiring that pharmacists who administer the flu vaccine to persons between the ages of fourteen and seventeen years complete a training program approved by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education, instead of other organizations;

     (2)  Requiring that pharmacists who administer the flu vaccine to persons between the ages of fourteen and seventeen years complete an approved course every other biennial renewal period, rather than each biennial renewal period;

     (3)  Clarifying that pharmacists who administer the flu vaccine to persons between the ages of fourteen and seventeen years must comply with all requirements--not simply the reporting and training requirements--of the new statute authorizing them to perform such activities; and

     (4)  Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

     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 H.B. No. 1966, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 1966, H.D. 2.

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

____________________________

ROBERT N. HERKES, Chair