S.B. 540 Summary

• Authorizes the board of pharmacy to approve pilot and demonstration research projects for innovative applications in pharmacy practice.

• Prohibits approved projects from including therapeutic substitution or substitution of medical devices, and clarifies projects cannot expand the definition of "practice of pharmacy."

• Grants the board authority to approve rule exceptions, extend exception timeframes, condition project approval on compliance, and terminate projects that fail to protect public health or welfare.

• Amends Section 461-4.5, Hawaii Revised Statutes to add this pilot project authority as a new power and duty of the board of pharmacy.

• Takes effect upon approval.