If enacted, SB60 would amend Chapter 329 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes to allow qualified out-of-state practitioners to issue prescriptions for Schedule III, IV, and V controlled substances, given that they maintain a contract with local healthcare entities. This legislative change aims to improve mental health service delivery across Hawaii's underserved areas by making it easier for patients to receive necessary prescriptions without being limited by the physical presence of their healthcare provider.
Summary
Senate Bill 60 aims to enhance access to psychiatric care in Hawaii by allowing state-licensed healthcare providers who are not physically present in the state to issue prescriptions for controlled substances via telehealth. This legislation responds to a significant shortage of psychiatric practitioners on neighbor islands and rural areas of Oahu, which has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The availability of telehealth services is proposed as a solution to bridge the gap in healthcare accessibility, especially for individuals seeking medication management for mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression.
Contention
The bill's extension of prescription authority to out-of-state providers raises concerns among some stakeholders regarding patient safety and the potential for misuse of controlled substances. Proponents argue that this is necessary in light of the high demand for psychiatric services and the existing gaps in care, especially as many local providers are no longer able to accept new QUEST patients due to an already overburdened system. Balancing the need for accessible mental health treatment with the risks involved in prescribing medications remotely is a key point of contention in the discussions surrounding SB60.
Relating to the regulation of prescriptions for controlled substances, including certain procedures applicable to electronic prescriptions for Schedule II controlled substances.