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HRS §328C-1

Who qualifies for free medicine and supplies

This section defines key terms used in the chapter. It explains which groups can give away medicine and supplies for free, what counts as a needy person, and what items are included. It also lists the types of facilities covered.

The statute, as written — Definitions

Whenever used in this chapter unless the context otherwise requires: "Charitable, religious, or nonprofit organization" means any organization which was organized and is operating in the State for charitable or religious purposes or to promote social welfare, which is exempt from income taxation under chapter 235, and which distributes pharmaceuticals and health care supplies at no cost to needy persons. "Institutional facility" means a: (1) Hospital; (2) Convalescent home; (3) Nursing home; (4) Extended care facility; (5) Mental institution; (6) Rehabilitation center; (7) Health maintenance organization; (8) Psychiatric center; (9) Intellectual disability center; (10) Penal institution; or (11) Any other organization whose primary purpose is to provide a physical environment for patients to obtain health care services or at-home care services, except those places where physicians, dentists, veterinarians, osteopaths, podiatrists, or other prescribers who are duly licensed, engage in private practice. "Needy person" means any natural person who lacks the means to obtain adequate or proper pharmaceuticals or health care supplies, as determined by a practitioner at a Hawaii qualified health center, established under section 346-41.5, to be in need of service. "Pharmaceuticals and health care supplies" means any medicine (prescription or nonprescription, excluding all controlled substances listed in chapter 329) or health care supplies such as soap, personal sanitary products, baby formula, dietary supplement, health care aids such as thermometers, surgical gloves, or bandages, or any other item which is customarily fit for human consumption or external use, before the expiration date stamped on the product, if any.
Read the official text at capitol.hawaii.gov ↗as published Jan 6, 2026our copy taken Aug 20, 2026

Sections this one refers to

§346-41.5 Extra payments for Hawaii health centers serving the uninsured

LawTrove is not legal advice. The summary above is a computer-generated restatement — the authoritative text is the official version linked above.