HI HR126

Urges the Hawaii State Director of Health to issue a statewide order allowing nebulized budesonide to be sold and purchased without a prescription or healthcare provider consultation.

Recommends that nebulizer machines also be made available for over-the-counter purchase without a prescription.

Directs the Board of Pharmacy to adopt rules ensuring proper product labeling with dosages and requiring pharmacies to provide written usage instructions to customers.

Cites multiple international studies, including the Oxford STOIC Trial and UK PRINCIPLE Trial, claiming inhaled budesonide reduced COVID-19 hospitalizations by up to 90% and improved recovery times.

Notes that budesonide nasal spray was previously converted from prescription to over-the-counter status and is recognized by the World Health Organization as an essential medicine.