Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Texas House Bill HB2271

Filed
 
Out of House Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to a pilot program for donation and redistribution of certain unused prescription medications; authorizing a fee.

Impact

This bill is expected to have significant implications on state healthcare laws, particularly as it facilitates more access to essential medicines for low-income Texans. The establishment of a central repository for these medications, alongside a database that monitors donations, enhances the state's capacity to manage drug resources efficiently. By shifting the responsibility of managing unused medications towards a systematic donation and redistribution framework, the bill could reduce state healthcare costs associated with medication provision for underserved communities, thus promoting both economic efficiency and public health.

Summary

House Bill 2271 introduces a pilot program aimed at the donation and redistribution of certain unused prescription medications in Texas. This initiative permits licensed facilities such as nursing homes, hospitals, and charitable medical clinics to donate surplus medications, which can then be redistributed to economically disadvantaged individuals. The bill aims to mitigate the financial burden on patients requiring medications while simultaneously combating medication waste. Sufficient safeguards are put in place to ensure the safety and integrity of the donated medications throughout the storage and transportation processes.

Sentiment

The overall sentiment surrounding HB 2271 appears to be supportive, with many advocates highlighting the positive aspects of sustainability and healthcare access for the less fortunate. Supporters include healthcare providers and community organizations that recognize the potential for the pilot program to streamline access to necessary treatments. However, there may also be some concerns regarding the implications for pharmaceutical liability and the integrity of the medications being redistributed.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the management and oversight of the pilot program, specifically the safeguards required to prevent any risk of contamination or abuse of the medications. Critics may emphasize the need for stringent guidelines to ensure that the medications distributed are safe for use, as well as the potential complexities involved in administering the program across diverse Texas municipalities. The potential for liabilities for both donors and healthcare providers who administer the medication under the program could also emerge as an area of debate.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB343

Relating to the prescriptive authority of certain psychologists; authorizing a fee.

TX SB2173

Relating to a pilot program for the safe disposal of prescription drugs, including controlled substance prescription drugs.

TX HB1373

Relating to a pilot program for the safe disposal of controlled substance prescription drugs.

TX HB4331

Relating to the donors of certain unused prescription drugs.

TX SB121

Relating to authorizing the possession, use, cultivation, distribution, delivery, sale, and research of medical cannabis for medical use by patients with certain medical conditions and the licensing of medical cannabis organizations; authorizing fees.

TX HB1403

Relating to the establishment by certain counties and hospital districts of disease control pilot programs to reduce the risk of certain infectious and communicable diseases; authorizing fees.

TX HB235

Relating to the authority of pharmacists to furnish certain medications.

TX HB4332

Relating to the redistribution of donated prepackaged prescription drugs.

TX SB160

Relating to the furnishing by pharmacists and dispensing by physicians of certain medications.

TX HB2079

Relating to the authority of pharmacists to order and furnish certain prescription drugs.

Similar Bills

TX HB3301

Relating to the regulation of controlled substances and the establishment of an electronic system for monitoring controlled substances; providing criminal penalties; authorizing a fee.

TX HB3714

Relating to the regulation of controlled substances and the establishment of an electronic system for monitoring controlled substances; providing criminal penalties.

TX SB2999

Relating to the prescriptive authority of certain psychologists; authorizing a fee.

TX HB5537

Relating to the prescriptive authority of certain psychologists; authorizing a fee.

TX SB190

Relating to the prescription and pharmaceutical substitution of biological products.

TX HB542

Relating to the prescription and pharmaceutical substitution of biological products.

TX HB2936

Relating to a pilot program for donation and redistribution of certain unused prescription medications; authorizing a fee.

TX HB1033

Relating to prescription drug price disclosure; authorizing a fee; providing an administrative penalty.