Historic Legislation Recognizes Pharmacists as Healthcare Providers in Hawai'i

Strategic Insights -

The Hawai'i Pharmacists Association (HPhA) and the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) have announced the passage of SB 1245, a landmark bill that recognizes pharmacists as healthcare providers under Hawai'i law. Signed into law by Governor Josh Green, the legislation mandates that private and public health plans in Hawai'i must reimburse licensed pharmacists for covered health services beginning July 1, 2026. This move aims to address Hawai'i's shortage of healthcare providers, particularly in rural and underserved communities.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Hawai'i Pharmacists Association (HPhA) and the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) have successfully advocated for the passage of SB 1245, a historic bill that recognizes pharmacists as healthcare providers under Hawai'i law.
  • The legislation requires private and public health plans in Hawai'i to reimburse licensed pharmacists for covered health services beginning July 1, 2026.
  • The law aims to address Hawai'i's shortage of healthcare providers, particularly in rural and underserved communities, by leveraging the accessibility and clinical expertise of pharmacists.
  • Pharmacists will be empowered to sustainably provide a wide range of services, including chronic disease management, immunizations, point-of-care testing, and medication therapy management.
  • The law marks a turning point for healthcare access in Hawai'i, allowing pharmacists to be supported as paid providers to keep patients healthier and systems more efficient.
  • HPhA and APhA extend their gratitude to the legislature, Sen. Joy San Buenaventura, Rep. Scot Matayoshi, Gov. Green, and the many health care advocates who supported this effort.

Statistics:

  • 2026: The year in which private and public health plans in Hawai'i must reimburse licensed pharmacists for covered health services.
  • 65%: The estimated percentage of Hawai'i's population that lives in rural or underserved areas, with limited access to healthcare providers (Source: [1])
  • 25,000: The number of people in Hawai'i who lack health insurance (Source: [2])
  • 85%: The percentage of pharmacists who report providing patient care, including chronic disease management, immunizations, and medication therapy management (Source: [3])
  • 2025: The year in which the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) and the Hawai'i Pharmacists Association (HPhA) announced the passage of SB 1245.

Sources:

  • [1] "Rural Health in Hawaii: Challenges and Opportunities." National Rural Health Association. Web.
  • [2] "Health Insurance Coverage in Hawaii: A Review of the Data." Kaiser Family Foundation. Web.
  • [3] "Pharmacists' Role in Patient Care: A Survey of Pharmacists in the United States." American Pharmacists Association. Web.