Rhode Island 2024 Regular Session

Rhode Island Senate Bill S2400

Introduced
2/12/24  
Refer
2/12/24  
Report Pass
5/21/24  
Engrossed
5/28/24  

Caption

Establishes the Wholesale Prescription Drug Importation Program for the importation of wholesale prescription drugs from Canada to provide savings to Rhode Island consumers.

Impact

The passage of S2400 is anticipated to enhance access to affordable prescription medication for Rhode Island residents by allowing the state to import drugs that have been approved and regulated under Canadian laws. By engaging Canadian suppliers, the program aims to exploit pricing differences, thereby generating consequential savings that could benefit consumers burdened by high medication costs. With health services under increasing scrutiny for affordability, this initiative seeks to directly address these economic pressures.

Summary

S2400 establishes the Wholesale Prescription Drug Importation Program in Rhode Island to enable the importation of wholesale prescription drugs from Canada, aimed at reducing costs for consumers. The bill mandates that all imported medications meet federal safety and efficacy standards, as regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Implementation of the program is contingent upon acquiring federal approval and certification, ensuring that only drugs expected to yield significant cost savings for Rhode Island residents are imported.

Contention

Despite its objectives, the bill has sparked discussions regarding the implications of importing medications from foreign suppliers. Concerns have been raised about potential safety and quality issues, as critics question the efficacy of drugs sourced from outside the U.S. Furthermore, there are debates regarding the operational complexities involved in implementing the program, particularly regarding the state's capacity to serve as a licensed drug wholesaler. Stakeholders emphasize the importance of a thorough regulatory framework to safeguard public health while balancing the necessity for lower drug prices.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI S0099

Wholesale Prescription Drug Importation Program

RI H5430

Wholesale Prescription Drug Importation Program

RI S0098

Prescription Drug Cost Protection

RI H5431

Prescription Drug Cost Protection

RI H5111

General Regulatory Provisions -- Price Gouging Of Prescription Drugs Prohibited

RI S0799

Prescription Drug Benefits

RI H6159

Prescription Drug Benefits

RI H5872

Prescription Drug Benefits

RI S0582

Prescription Drug Benefits

RI H5104

Rhode Island Food, Drugs, And Cosmetics Act

Similar Bills

CA SB1361

Prescription drugs: cost sharing: pharmacy benefit managers.

CA AB458

Importation of prescription drugs.

HI SB319

Relating To Prescription Drugs.

HI HB14

Relating To Prescription Drugs.

NJ A2809

Permits import of Canadian prescription drugs.

FL H0283

Storage and Disposal of Prescription Drugs and Sharps

IL SB1971

PRESCRIPTION DRUG IMPORT ACT

IL HB4525

PRESCRIPTION DRUG IMPORT ACT