🏥 The Hawaii Law That Could Transform Your Pharmacy Experience

👋 Hello Health Champions,

Jane lives 45 minutes from the nearest doctor on Hawaii's Big Island. When her blood pressure medication stopped working last month, she faced a tough choice: take time off work for a long drive to see her physician, or try to manage it herself.

But this time, she had a third option.

"My pharmacist adjusted my medication dose, ordered lab work to check my kidney function, and even billed my insurance," Maria told me. "It felt like having a doctor's office right in my neighborhood."

On June 27, 2025, Hawaii Governor Josh Green signed SB 1245 into law—officially recognizing pharmacists as healthcare providers and requiring insurance to pay them for clinical services. Starting July 1, 2026, this could change how millions of Americans access routine healthcare.

Here's what this breakthrough means for you.

💊 What Your Pharmacist Can Now Do (and Get Paid For)

Chronic Disease Management:

• Diabetes: A1C testing, blood sugar monitoring, medication adjustments

• Blood Pressure: Regular monitoring, lifestyle counseling, medication optimization

• Asthma: Inhaler technique training, breathing tests, action plans

Preventive Care:

• Vaccines: Travel shots, shingles, pneumonia, flu—all in one place

• Health Screenings: Cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar checks

• Smoking Cessation: Nicotine replacement therapy and counseling

Women's Health:

• Birth Control: Prescription, counseling, side effect management

• Emergency Contraception: Same-day access without a doctor visit

Point-of-Care Testing:

• Lab Work: Cholesterol panels, A1C, strep throat, flu tests—with results in minutes

• Results Sharing: Electronically sent to your doctor

What Makes This Revolutionary:

✅ Insurance pays for it—just like any doctor visit
✅ Pharmacists can adjust your medications—no waiting for doctor appointments
✅ Solves access problems—especially in rural and underserved areas
✅ Costs less—pharmacy visits typically cheaper than urgent care

🗺️ Why This Matters Nationwide

Let's break this down: Hawaii isn't alone. According to federal health data, every county in Hawaii is medically underserved.

Nationwide, here's what we're facing:

• Primary care shortage: U.S. needs 48,000 more primary care doctors

• Rural crisis: 184 rural hospitals closed in the last decade

• Wait times: Average 21 days to see a primary care provider

Other States Leading the Way:

New Mexico was the first state in 1993. Today, 10+ states have some form of provider recognition, including:

• Idaho, Oregon, Colorado, California, Washington

• Illinois (expanded in 2024)

• North Carolina, Montana, Utah

More states coming: Multiple legislatures are considering similar laws in 2026.

🏪 What This Means for Your Local Pharmacy

CVS Health is preparing:

• Opening nearly 100 new community health destinations in 2025

• Creating smaller pharmacy formats focused on clinical services (under 5,000 sq ft)

• Investing in technology for billing and electronic health records

• Closing 270 underperforming retail stores to focus on healthcare hubs

Walgreens is adapting:

• Closing 1,200 stores over 3 years (500 in 2025)

• Acquired by Sycamore Partners (private equity) in March 2025

• Focusing remaining locations on pharmacy clinical services

The shift: Pharmacies are moving from "product dispensing" to "healthcare provider" model.

❓ What Pharmacists CAN and CANNOT Do

✅ Pharmacists CAN:

• Adjust medication doses within approved guidelines

• Switch you to similar medications

• Order lab tests to monitor your health

• Prescribe birth control, emergency contraception, smoking cessation aids

• Give vaccines and injections

❌ Pharmacists CANNOT:

• Diagnose new medical conditions

• Prescribe controlled substances (in most states)

• Perform surgeries or invasive procedures

• Handle medical emergencies

Important: Pharmacists work WITH your doctor, not instead of them. All services are coordinated with your healthcare team. You're not alone in managing your health!

🚨 What This Means for YOU

Better Access:

• Pharmacy visits instead of doctor appointments for routine issues

• Evening and weekend hours at most pharmacies

• Same-day service (no 3-week wait times)

Lower Costs:

• Pharmacy consultations cost less than urgent care or doctor visits

• Insurance covers pharmacist services just like doctor visits

Coordinated Care:

• Your pharmacist shares information with your doctor electronically

• All providers see the same health records

• Easy referrals when you need specialist care

📊 Quick Poll: We Want to Hear From You!

Would you use pharmacist services for routine health needs?

☐ Yes—more convenient than doctor appointments
☐ Maybe—want to learn more first
☐ No—prefer traditional doctor visits
☐ Already using pharmacy services

💡 Dr. Lee's Bottom Line

Hawaii's law is a game-changer for healthcare access. Here's what you need to know:

With primary care doctor shortages and long wait times, pharmacists can fill critical gaps—especially in rural and underserved communities.

This isn't about replacing doctors. It's about creating more healthcare touchpoints so you can get help when and where you need it. Taking control of your health starts with having accessible options.

Expect more states to follow Hawaii's lead in 2026-2027.

Questions? We're here to help you. Reply to this email—I read every response and use your questions for future newsletters.

Stay informed and empowered,
Dr. Lee

📚 KEY SOURCES

This newsletter is based on verified information from trusted sources:

• Hawaii State Legislature - SB 1245 (2025) - Official Hawaii legislative website with full bill text and history

• American Pharmacists Association (APhA) - Hawaii Provider Status Recognition - National pharmacy organization announcing Hawaii's law

• Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) - Medically Underserved Areas Data - Federal government data on healthcare access and underserved areas

• National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) - Industry data on pharmacy transformation and clinical services expansion

• Forbes Health - Pharmacist Prescribing Authority by State - Healthcare industry analysis and state-by-state tracking

• GoodRx - State Pharmacist Prescribing Authority Guide - Comprehensive state-by-state breakdown of pharmacist scope

• National Academy for State Health Policy (NASHP) - State Approaches to Pharmacist Prescribing - Nonpartisan health policy research

🔒 Medical Disclaimer

This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.