The proposed amendments enhance the definition of 'health care' under Hawaii Revised Statutes, which now includes the explicit right to refuse opioid medications. In addition, the bill establishes that prescriptions presented electronically to pharmacies are presumed valid, thereby streamlining the verification process for pharmacists. Importantly, the legislation provides legal immunity for pharmacists when dispensing controlled substances that contradict a patient’s non-opioid preferences, which is expected to encourage compliance with patient directives while mitigating potential legal risks.
Senate Bill 1017 (SB1017) addresses significant changes to health care legislation in Hawaii by introducing amendments to the definitions and procedures surrounding health care directives. The bill specifically adds a voluntary non-opioid option to the sample advance health-care directive form, allowing patients to refuse the administration of opioid medications. This change reflects an increasing awareness of the opioid crisis and the need for patients to have greater control over their pain management preferences.
The introduction of the non-opioid option could raise discussion regarding the balance between patient rights and the responsibilities of healthcare providers. While the bill aims to empower patients by allowing them to dictate their treatment options, concerns may be voiced about the implications for patient safety and the continuing role of opioids in effective pain management. Stakeholders may engage in debates surrounding the adequacy of information provided to patients regarding their options, as well as the clinical guidelines governing the administration of alternative pain management strategies.