URGING THE GOVERNOR TO ENSURE THAT RELEVANT STATE AGENCIES, INCLUDING THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES, COLLABORATE TO EXPLORE AVENUES TO ENSURE CONTINUED ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE MEDICATIONS FOR THE STATE'S UNDERSERVED POPULATIONS UNDER THE 340B DRUG PRICING PROGRAM AND URGING HAWAII'S CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION AND RELEVANT FEDERAL AGENCIES TO MONITOR PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANIES AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTIONS TO PROTECT THE INTEGRITY OF THE 340B DRUG PRICING PROGRAM.

This Senate Concurrent Resolution urges Hawaii state agencies, including the Department of Health and Department of Human Services, to work together to maintain affordable drug access for underserved communities through the federal 340B Drug Pricing Program. The bill calls on pharmaceutical companies to avoid implementing restrictions that limit hospitals and health centers from distributing discounted medications to their patients. Additionally, it asks Hawaii's congressional delegation and federal agencies to monitor the pharmaceutical industry and take steps to protect the program's integrity. This measure is a formal request rather than a law that creates new mandates or penalties.