Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB1249

Introduced

4/17/25

Refer

4/17/25

Caption

Establishing the Pennsylvania Drug Shortage Reporting System; and imposing duties on the Department of Health.

Impact

The impact of HB 1249 on state laws revolves around enhancing communication between drug manufacturers and health authorities in Pennsylvania. By imposing notification requirements on manufacturers and wholesale distributors regarding drug shortages and production issues, the bill aims to minimize disruptions in the supply chain of essential medications. The legislation mandates the Department of Health to keep a comprehensive list of lifesaving drugs in shortage, thus enabling timely responses to threats against public health due to medication unavailability.

Summary

House Bill 1249 establishes the Pennsylvania Drug Shortage Reporting System to address the critical issue of lifesaving drug shortages within the state. This system is designed to improve the transparency and accessibility of information regarding the availability of lifesaving drugs in Pennsylvania. Manufacturers are required to notify the Department of Health of any discontinuance or interruption in the production of lifesaving drugs, as well as the reasons for such interruptions. This information will be accumulated in a centralized reporting system, accessible to healthcare professionals, patients, and individuals requiring lifesaving medications.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 1249 is generally supportive among healthcare professionals and advocacy groups who see the establishment of a reporting system as vital for patient safety and public health. However, there may be concerns regarding the compliance burden on manufacturers and the implications of potential confidentiality issues for proprietary information. Overall, the bill is viewed positively for its intentions to prevent drug shortages and ensure essential medicines are accessible when needed.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the balance between maintaining confidentiality for manufacturers regarding business practices and the need for public access to information regarding drug availability. Additionally, the responsibilities imposed on manufacturers to report shortages within specific timeframes may be seen as an added regulatory burden. The challenge will lie in ensuring that the reporting system is effective without overstepping boundaries that could hinder pharmaceutical innovation or lead to unintended consequences for drug distribution.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB1101

In public safety, providing for the Pennsylvania Violent Death Reporting System; and imposing duties on the Department of Health.

PA SB34

Establishing the Pennsylvania Opportunity Program and the Pennsylvania Opportunity Program Fund; imposing duties on the Treasury Department; and imposing penalties.

PA HB648

Providing for the Office of Health Equity; establishing the Health Equity Advisory Committee; and imposing duties on the Department of Health.

PA HB1350

Establishing the Behavioral Welfare Educational Loan Lenience Program; and imposing duties on the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency.

PA HB1140

Providing for access to contraceptives; imposing duties on the Insurance Department and the Department of Human Services; and imposing penalties.

PA HB2137

Establishing the Maternal and Newborn Supply Kit Program; and imposing powers and duties on the Department of Health.

PA HB378

Providing for opioid stewardship; establishing the Opioid Reparation and Accountability Fund and the Opiate Epidemic Response Advisory Council; and imposing duties on the Department of Health, the Department of Human Services and the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs.

PA HB1630

Establishing the Office of New Pennsylvanians and providing for its powers and duties; establishing the Office of New Pennsylvanians Restricted Account; and establishing the Advisory Committee to Office of New Pennsylvanians and providing for its powers, duties and membership.

PA HB2520

Providing for nonbanking games; imposing duties on the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board and the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs; and imposing penalties.

PA SB580

Establishing the Pennsylvania Family and Medical Leave Program and the Family and Medical Leave Fund; conferring powers and imposing duties on the Department of Labor and Industry; creating a right of action; and imposing penalties.