S.B. No. 2076 Summary

• Establishes a licensure program for durable medical equipment suppliers through the Office of Health Care Assurance, requiring suppliers to obtain a license before selling, dispensing, delivering, or servicing equipment in Hawaii.

• Requires licensed suppliers to designate responsible agents available by phone during Hawaii business hours to answer consumer inquiries, with a one business day response requirement for inquiries if agent is unavailable.

• Requires suppliers to notify consumers within two business days if they cannot provide ordered equipment and maintain written complaint procedures at each location.

• Sets a maximum license fee of $350 per supplier, with fees deposited into the Office of Health Care Assurance special fund to support program administration and operations.

• Exempts pharmacies licensed under chapter 461 and increases the Office of Health Care Assurance special fund spending cap from $300,000 to $327,000 annually and the excess balance threshold from $356,000 to $387,500.