Urging The Governor And Board Of Pharmacy To Support The Lanai Community Health Center's Telepharmacy Pilot Demonstration And Research Project As A Method Of Expanding The Accessibility And Affordability Of Prescription Drugs To Vulnerable Populations And Rural Communities Throughout The State.
The resolution emphasizes the need to amend state laws that currently require a pharmacist to be physically present for pharmacy operations, which poses a challenge to health centers in rural areas like Lanai. The pilot project has demonstrated success by processing over 5,800 prescriptions, providing quicker access to medications and utilizing 340B pricing benefits for underinsured and uninsured patients. This initiative illustrates the demand for innovative healthcare solutions in sparsely populated regions, showcasing how telehealth models can enhance the health service delivery mechanism.
HCR142 urges the Governor and the Board of Pharmacy to support the Lanai Community Health Center's telepharmacy pilot project as a means of making prescription drugs more accessible and affordable for vulnerable populations and rural communities in Hawaii. The telepharmacy initiative has been underway since June 2022, where a licensed pharmacist in Maui supervises pharmacy operations at the Lanai Health Center, which lacks a full-time pharmacist due to its small patient base. This project allows the dispensing and filling of prescriptions through real-time audiovisual telecommunications, effectively bridging the gap for residents who would otherwise face delays in accessing medications.
While the pilot project shows promise, the Board of Pharmacy has raised concerns about the sustainability of telepharmacy under existing statutory frameworks. There are discussions on the necessity of formal legislation to establish a permanent legal basis for telepharmacy practices in Hawaii. Advocates highlight that without legislative support, the successful outcomes achieved through the pilot may not extend beyond its temporary status, underscoring a need for a broader conversation on healthcare service accessibility in rural communities.