Upon enactment, SB165 will amend the Hawaii Revised Statutes to require insurers to recognize licensed pharmacists as participating providers, thus ensuring they are reimbursed for delivering health services comparable to those rendered by other healthcare providers. This change is anticipated to enhance healthcare accessibility, particularly in regions facing a shortage of physicians. It will also integrate pharmacists more seamlessly into the healthcare delivery model, allowing them to play a significant role in public health initiatives.
SB165 addresses the critical issue of the physician shortage in Hawaii by expanding the role of pharmacists within the healthcare system. Recognizing that various counties in Hawaii are medically underserved, the bill mandates that private and public health plans reimburse pharmacists for services they provide that fall within their professional scope. This legislative move aims to enable pharmacists to assist in patient care, manage medication use, and educate patients on health maintenance, which can lead to improved health outcomes, including reduced hospital readmissions.
While the bill garners support for its objective to alleviate healthcare access issues, there may be concerns regarding the extent of services that pharmacists can rightfully provide and the potential implications for patient safety. Stakeholders may debate the appropriateness of expanding pharmacists' responsibilities and whether this could impact the quality of care or lead to miscommunication within the healthcare system. The discussions surrounding SB165 underscore the tension between maximizing existing healthcare resources and ensuring adequate oversight to maintain patient safety.