HI HCR142

Urges the Governor and Board of Pharmacy to support the Lanai Community Health Center's telepharmacy pilot project, which allows remote pharmacist supervision via two-way audiovisual telecommunications to dispense prescriptions to rural patients.

Lanai Community Health Center's pilot project commenced June 9, 2022, and processed 5,838 prescriptions for 1,124 patients (averaging 486.5 prescriptions monthly as of June 15, 2023) at lower costs through the federal 340B Drug Pricing Program.

Requests the Board of Pharmacy Chairperson submit a report to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the 2025 Regular Session convening, including an official position on whether telepharmacy should be authorized by statute.

Identifies that current state law requires a registered pharmacist to be personally and immediately in charge of pharmacy operations, creating barriers for small rural health centers that cannot justify full-time pharmacist employment.

Directs certified copies be transmitted to the Governor, Director of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Board of Pharmacy Chairperson, Mayor of Maui, and relevant health center officials.