Bill Cites Inflated Rates as Reason to Ban Certain Prescriptions

A Hawaii lawmaker wants to prohibit the prescribing of certain drugs to injured workers, saying the lack of clear provisions governing reimbursement rates has resulted in inflated charges. HB 1648, by Rep. Scot Z. Matayoshi, would prohibit providers from prescribing or dispensing a nonprescription drug, over-the-counter drug or nonlegend drug. The bill would define those medications by referencing another statute that defines them as any packaged, bottled or non-bulk chemical, drug or medicine that can be legally sold without a prescription. The bill includes a statement of legisl...