Rhode Island House Bill H5507

Rhode Island 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/10/23
• Refer: 2/10/23

Caption

Prescription Drug Advisory Board - Group Purchasing Board For Rx We Can Afford

Impact

The establishment of this board marks a significant step toward actively managing and mitigating prescription drug costs within the state. The board will have the authority to conduct reviews on prescription drug pricing and recommend upper payment limits on purchases and payor reimbursements. This change could lead to better regulation of drug pricing in the state, potentially reducing the financial burden on consumers and health care providers alike. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2024, which gives the board time to prepare for its responsibilities.

Summary

House Bill 5507, titled 'Prescription Drug Advisory Board - Group Purchasing Board For RX We Can Afford', seeks to establish a Prescription Drug Advisory Board in Rhode Island. This board will consist of five members with expertise in health care economics or clinical medicine, and its primary aim is to investigate and evaluate prescription drug prices for Rhode Islanders, exploring ways to make them more affordable. By focusing on affordability, the bill aims to protect state residents, as well as state and local governments from the high costs associated with prescription drugs.

Contention

While many supporters advocate for the bill's ability to rein in escalating drug costs, it may face opposition from pharmaceutical manufacturers who could see this as a threat to their pricing strategies. There are concerns about how effective the board will be in negotiating prices and whether it will face significant pushback from stakeholders vested in the current pricing structure. Additionally, the parameters of the board’s authority will likely be subject to thorough scrutiny, particularly regarding conflicts of interest among board members and the transparency of its operations.