THE SENATE

S.B. NO.

2272

TWENTY-NINTH LEGISLATURE, 2018

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

RELATING TO health.

 

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

 


     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that a nationwide drug epidemic exists related to prescription pain relieving drugs that are causing alarming rates of addiction, overdose, and death.  According to the Centers for Disease Control, drug overdose deaths in Hawaii increased by eighty-three per cent from 2006 to 2014, a growth rate more than double the national average of thirty-seven per cent.

     While overdoses of prescription opioids and heroin account for the majority of drug deaths, such overdoses can be reversed and death prevented by timely administration of naloxone which is an opioid antagonist.  In Utah, there is an administrative standing order intended to increase access to naloxone for those who might be at risk of an overdose or who might be in a position to assist somebody at risk of an overdose.  Specifically, licensed pharmacists in Utah are authorized to dispense naloxone without a prescription.

     The legislature further finds that data from the past twenty years show that prevention has succeeded in substantially reducing the incidence and prevalence of illicit drug use.  Successful substance abuse prevention also leads to reductions in traffic fatalities, violence, unwanted pregnancy, child abuse, sexually transmitted diseases, HIV/AIDS, injuries, cancer, heart disease, and lost productivity.

     The legislature additionally finds that the department of health provides treatment for drug abuse, including a broad range of services, including identification, intervention, assessment, diagnosis, counseling, medical services, psychiatric services, psychological services, social services, and follow-up for persons with substance abuse problems.  The overall goal of treatment is to reduce or eliminate the use of alcohol and/or drugs as a contributing factor to physical, psychological, and social dysfunction and to arrest, retard, or reverse the progress of any associated problems.

     The department of health's alcohol and drug abuse division is the primary and often sole source of public funds for substance abuse treatment in the State, and it seeks to promote a statewide, culturally appropriate, and comprehensive system of services to meet the treatment and recovery needs of individuals and families.

     The purpose of this Act is to make an appropriation to the department of health for substance abuse prevention and treatment services, including reimbursement to pharmacies that dispense naloxone.

     SECTION 2.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2018-2019 for substance abuse prevention and treatment services, including but not limited to reimbursement to pharmacies that dispense naloxone.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of health for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2018.

 

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

Department of Health; Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Services; Appropriation

 

Description:

Appropriates funds to the department of health for substance abuse prevention and treatment services including reimbursement to pharmacies that dispense naxolone.

 

 

 

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.