HI SB591

Creates an 11-member task force attached to the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs to review and regulate pharmacy benefit management companies and their practices.

Task force shall recommend prohibited activities and penalties, develop licensing standards, establish guidelines for drug cost disclosure including quarterly reports of rebates and manufacturer payments, and review alternatives to mandatory mail order programs.

Task force shall develop quality monitoring specifications that prohibit co-payment manipulation, differential reimbursements between pharmacy providers, and mandatory mail order programs after three prescription fills for maintenance medications.

Task force composition includes one state representative, one state senator, the Director of Health, the Insurance Commissioner, representatives from private service providers and the Hawaii employer-union health benefits trust fund, and three appointees representing pharmacist and consumer organizations.

Task force must submit findings and recommendations to the legislature no later than 20 days before the 2012 regular session convenes and shall cease to exist on May 1, 2012.