Virginia House Bill HB478

Virginia 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/22
• Refer: 1/11/22

Caption

Wholesale prescription drug importation program; Sec. of Health and Human Resources to establish.

Impact

The bill's implementation will require the Secretary of Health and Human Resources to designate a state agency as a licensed wholesaler for drug importation. This program includes strict provisions regarding compliance with U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulations and tracking requirements that ensure the safety of imported drugs. Annually, the Secretary will report to various governmental bodies on the program's effectiveness, including data on the number of prescriptions dispensed and savings achieved for health plans and consumers.

Summary

House Bill 478 establishes a wholesale prescription drug importation program in Virginia, aiming to provide significant cost savings for residents by enabling the state to import prescription drugs from licensed wholesalers in Canada. The bill mandates that this program must comply with federal regulations ensuring safety and effectiveness of the imported drugs. It also stipulates that only those drugs expected to yield substantial savings are to be imported, which could lead to more affordable medication options for Virginia residents.

Contention

While the bill has the potential to alleviate the high cost of prescription medications, it may face contention concerning its management and potential impact on local pharmacies and healthcare providers. Critics may express concerns about the effectiveness of the oversight mechanisms and how this program might affect existing local pharmacy business models due to increased competition from imported drugs. Moreover, there may be challenges regarding the logistical aspects of importing drugs safely and ensuring fair pricing for both consumers and healthcare providers.