WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 561

RELATING TO PHARMACISTS.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Cory Chun and 11 co-sponsors

Hawaii bill modifying pharmacist regulations and scope of practice; referred to health and consumer protection committees in 2025, carried over to 2026 session.

Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.
#medicallyunderservedpatients #pharmacists #telepharmacy
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 561

Legislative bill overview

HB 561 is a Hawaii bill introduced to modify pharmacist regulations and scope of practice. The bill was referred to the Health (HLT) and Consumer Protection & Commerce (CPC) committees but has not yet advanced beyond initial readings, having been carried over to the 2026 legislative session.

Why is this important

Pharmacist scope-of-practice bills directly affect healthcare delivery, drug pricing, accessibility of medications, and consumer costs. Changes to pharmacist authority can expand or restrict their ability to perform clinical services like vaccine administration, medication therapy management, or independent prescribing—impacting how millions of Hawaii residents access healthcare.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope expansion vs. medical autonomy: Depending on specific provisions, the bill may expand pharmacist authority in ways that some physician groups view as encroaching on medical practice, or conversely, may face pushback from pharmacy organizations if it's restrictive
  • Patient safety and liability: Questions about whether pharmacists have adequate training and oversight for any newly authorized clinical functions, and who bears liability for errors
  • Implementation costs: Changes to pharmacy practice may require additional staffing, training, or regulatory infrastructure that could affect medication prices or business operations

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.