Bill > SB480

This bill aims to protect the 340B Drug Pricing Program by preventing drug manufacturers and wholesale distributors from restricting pharmacies contracted with 340B covered entities from accessing discounted drugs. The 340B program provides significant medication discounts to nonprofit hospitals, safety-net providers, rural hospitals, community health centers, and Native Hawaiian health centers, helping them stretch limited resources and reinvest savings into community health services. The legislation specifically prohibits drug manufacturers from limiting or denying access to 340B drugs for pharmacies contracted with 340B covered entities, particularly addressing challenges in rural areas where contract pharmacies are crucial for medication access. Violations of this prohibition will be considered unfair or deceptive trade practices, potentially subject to civil penalties. The bill defines key terms such as "340B covered entity" (participants in the federal 340B drug pricing program), "340B drug" (outpatient prescription drugs sold at a discount), "manufacturer," and "wholesale distributor." By enacting these protections, the bill seeks to ensure that hospitals can continue to provide essential community health services and that patients, especially in remote areas, can access affordable medications through contract pharmacies.

Health and Social Services

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=480&year=2026