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THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
2899 |
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THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2024 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
Relating to pharmacists.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
The legislature further finds that pharmacists can help bridge the gaps created by the physician shortage. A pharmacist's skill set includes educating patients on how and when to check blood sugar, ways to avoid and manage hypoglycemia, how to take their medications correctly to avoid adverse effects, and various medication utilization techniques. Additionally, patients are three times more likely to stay out of the hospital when pharmacists provide clinical services after a hospital discharge.
However, the legislature also finds it prudent to conduct an assessment of the social and financial impacts of mandating health insurance reimbursement requirements for certain pharmacists.
Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to require the auditor to conduct a social and financial assessment of proposed reimbursement coverage for care provided by participating registered pharmacists practicing within the scope of their license.
SECTION 2. (a) Notwithstanding the requirement of a referral by concurrent resolution pursuant to section 23-51, Hawaii Revised Statutes, the auditor shall assess, in accordance with sections 23-51 and 23-52, Hawaii Revised Statutes, the social and financial effects of mandating health insurance coverage for care provided by a participating registered pharmacist practicing within the scope of the pharmacist's license for purposes of health maintenance or treatment to the extent that the policy provides benefits for identical services rendered by another health care provider, as provided in S.B. No. 693, S.D. 1, H.D. 1 (2023).
(b) The auditor shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2025.
SECTION 3. In accordance with section 9 of article VII of the Hawaii State Constitution and sections 37‑91 and 37‑93, Hawaii Revised Statutes, the legislature has determined that the appropriations contained in H.B. No. 300, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, C.D. 1, and this Act will cause the state general fund expenditure ceiling for fiscal year 2023‑2024 to be exceeded by $ or per cent. This current declaration takes into account general fund appropriations authorized for fiscal year 2023‑2024 in H.B. No. 300, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, C.D. 1, and this Act only. The reasons for exceeding the general fund expenditure ceiling are that:
(1) The appropriation made in this Act is necessary to serve the public interest; and
(2) The appropriation made in this Act meets the needs addressed by this Act.
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 2024-2025 to conduct the impact study required by section 2 of this Act.
The sum appropriated shall be expended by the auditor for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 5. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 6. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2024.
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INTRODUCED BY: |
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Report Title:
Auditor; Impact Study; Insurance Coverage; Pharmacists; Reimbursement; Report; Expenditure Ceiling; Appropriation
Description:
Requires the
auditor to conduct an assessment on the social and financial impacts of
mandating health insurance coverage for care provided by a participating
registered pharmacist practicing within the scope of the pharmacist's license. Requires a report to the legislature before
the 2025 regular session. Declares
that the general fund expenditure is exceeded.
Makes an appropriation.
The summary description
of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is
not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.