Bill > HB561

This bill authorizes registered pharmacists working under contract with certain healthcare organizations (known as "covered entities" under the federal 340B Drug Pricing Program) to supervise prescription filling and receiving via telehealth under specific circumstances. Specifically, the pharmacist can oversee prescriptions remotely using an interactive telecommunications system when the patient is located at a facility operated by the covered entity, the facility has obtained or applied for a pharmacy license, and the pharmacist is not physically present at that location. The bill defines telehealth as using telecommunications services, including real-time audio and video conferencing, secure web-based communication, and asynchronous information exchange, to deliver healthcare services when the patient and healthcare provider are at different locations. It amends existing pharmacy regulations to explicitly permit this type of remote supervision, which is intended to improve access to pharmaceutical services in medically underserved areas by allowing pharmacists to provide oversight through digital technologies. The bill will take effect upon approval and does not impact any rights, penalties, or proceedings that existed prior to its implementation.

Health and Social Services

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=561&year=2026