HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
H.B. NO.
1648
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026
STATE OF HAWAII
A BILL FOR AN ACT
relating to workers' Compensation.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the State's existing reimbursement rates for nonprescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, or nonlegend drugs for workers' compensation are not clearly provided. The legislature further finds that this omission has led some to charge inflated rates for these drugs, which drives up the cost of workers' compensation insurance policies.
Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to prohibit health care providers from prescribing or dispensing nonprescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, or nonlegend drugs for workers' compensation.
SECTION 2. Chapter 386, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"[Underlined: §386- ] [Underlined: Nonprescription, over-the-counter, or nonlegend drugs; prohibition.] [Underlined: (a) No health care provider shall prescribe or dispense a nonprescription drug, over-the-counter drug, or nonlegend drug.]
[Underlined: (b) For purposes of this section, "nonprescription drug", "over-the-counter drug", or "nonlegend drug" has the same meaning as in section 328-1.]"
SECTION 3. This Act does not affect rights and duties that matured, penalties that were incurred, and proceedings that were begun before its effective date.
SECTION 4. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2026.
INTRODUCED BY:
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Report Title:
Workers' Compensation; Nonprescription Drugs; Over-The-Counter Drugs; Nonlegend Drugs; Prescription or Dispensing Prohibited
Description:
Prohibits health care providers from prescribing or dispensing nonprescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, and nonlegend drugs for workers' compensation patients.
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.