Hawaii Senate Bill 2751, originally written to address compound drugs, has been amended to include new limits for physician dispensing.

The initial draft of the bill would incorporate the federal definition of “compounded drug” into Hawaii’s workers’ comp law, aligning state standards with federal guidance to reduce confusion and promote regulatory consistency.

 The bill has since been amended to limit physician dispensing of prescription drugs to 30 days following an industrial injury. This would only apply for the initial filling of a prescription, as all subsequent prescriptions would have to be obtained through the employer’s pharmacy benefit manager.

Amendments also mandate that non–FDA-approved drugs, including compounds, be clearly identified on treatment plans and billing, and supported by a statement of medical necessity demonstrating the need for a compound over an FDA-approved alternative.

The bill currently contains a placeholder effective date, which will be updated if the measure advances toward enactment.