Labor Committee Passes Bill to Limit Physician Dispensing, Lower Reimbursement

A policy committee in the Hawaii House of Representatives passed a bill that would restrict physician dispensing and lower the reimbursement rate paid for prescription drugs. The House Labor and Public Employment Committee on Wednesday voted 7-0 to pass HB 1631, by Rep. Aaron Ling Johanson, D-Moanalua. The bill would allow physicians to dispense drugs to workers only during the first 30 days following an injury. The bill would also reduce reimbursement rates for all prescription drugs, including compounds and repacks, to 101% of the average wholesale price set by the original manufactur...