Sen. Brian T. Taniguchi

Requires employers to pay for all medical services required for the employee for the compensable injury and the process of recovery, even when claims are disputed. Establishes negotiation, notice, and review procedures for disputed claims. Imposes fines and penalties for failure to negotiate in good faith. Permits service providers to charge interest on late bill payments. (SB2364 HD1)

Establishes requirements for pharmacy benefit managers and maximum allowable cost, including the ability of pharmacies to receive comprehensive maximum allowable cost lists and bring complaints within the purview of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, rather than the Department of Health. Requires pharmacy benefit managers to disclose where an equivalent drug can be obtained at or below the maximum allowable cost when a maximum allowable cost is upheld on appeal. Allows contracting pharmacies to reverse and rebill claims if the pharmacy benefit manager establishes a maximum allowable cost that is denied on appeal and is required to pay the difference to the contracting pharmacies. Preserves the prohibition of a contracting pharmacy from disclosing the maximum allowable cost list and related information to any third party. (SB3104 HD1)

Appropriates moneys for three positions and operating expenses of the Sustainable and Organic Agriculture Program administered by the UH College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources. (SB2075 HD1)

Prohibits the shipment of tobacco products, and the transport of tobacco products ordered or purchased through a remote sale, to anyone other than a licensee. Makes all provisions of the cigarette tax and tobacco tax law that relate to tobacco products applicable to e-liquid. Increases the license fee for wholesalers or dealers and the retail tobacco permit fee. Amends the taxes on cigarettes and tobacco products. Increases the excise tax for each cigarette or little cigar sold, used, or possessed by a wholesaler or dealer. Increases the excise tax on the wholesale price of each article or item of tobacco products, other than large cigars, sold by the wholesaler or dealer. Establishing an electronic smoking device retailer registration unit within the Department of the Attorney General. Amends the Penal Code. Regulates the delivery and sale of electronic smoking devices to purchasers within the State. (SB2654 HD2)

Requires health insurance policies and contracts issued after 12/31/18 to provide coverage for the cost of hearing aids at least a minimum amount per hearing aid for each hearing-impaired ear every thirty-six months. (SB535 HD1)

Establishes the Hawaii Teacher Stipend Program to be administered by the Department of Education to address the shortage of teachers in the Hawaii public school system. Creates the Hawaii Teacher Stipend Program Special Fund to provide ongoing funding of stipends to students in the stipend program or successor programs. Appropriates funds. (SB3070 HD1)