What's Being Discussed

The Med-QUEST Drug Use Review (DUR) Board is a state advisory board that oversees how prescription drugs are used within Hawaii's Medicaid program. At this meeting on November 18, 2026, the board will cover:

• Updates on board membership, including adding a neighbor island pharmacist and a practicing dentist
• Results and updates related to the annual federal drug use review survey, including the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program
• A review of a dental provider flagged for outlier controlled substance prescribing
• A review of expensive drug claims related to Hawaii's organ and tissue transplant program
• Requirements under the H.R.1 Act for continued coverage of certain Medicaid enrollees
• A proposal to allow nebulizer machines and certain medical equipment to be dispensed directly through pharmacies
• Efforts to identify fraud, waste, and abuse, including mismatched billing, prescription audits, and improper use of "dispense as written" codes
• A new federal rule related to gender-affirming care

Decisions Expected

• Approval of minutes from the August 11, 2026 meeting
• Possible policy direction on allowing nebulizer machines to be dispensed at pharmacies
• Discussion and next steps on fraud, waste, and abuse findings

Who Should Pay Attention

• Medicaid (Med-QUEST) enrollees, especially those using prescription drugs, medical equipment, or transplant services
• Pharmacists, dentists, and healthcare providers who serve Medicaid patients
• Advocates for gender-affirming care or Medicaid coverage policy
• Anyone concerned about prescription drug oversight in Hawaii's public health programs