Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB69

Introduced
1/14/25  

Caption

Further providing for title and short title of act, for definitions, for establishment, for restocking and dispensing of cancer drugs, for storage, distribution and fees and for immunity; providing for annual report and for list of approved participating pharmacies; further providing for regulations; and imposing duties on the State Board of Pharmacy.

Impact

If enacted, HB69 will have a significant impact on state healthcare laws by facilitating easier access to prescription drugs for low-income individuals. By creating a framework for the donation and redistribution of unused medications, the bill supports public health initiatives and addresses the growing issue of healthcare affordability. The program will operate through approved participating pharmacies, which will have guidelines to ensure that the drugs are safe for redistribution, thus maintaining high standards for public health and safety.

Summary

House Bill 69, introduced in Pennsylvania, seeks to amend the existing Cancer Drug Repository Program by broadening its scope and clarifying its provisions. The key change proposed by the bill is the renaming of the program to the 'Prescription Drug Repository Program,' which expands the focus from only cancer drugs to include a wider range of prescription drugs. The bill stipulates that unused prescription drugs donated to participating pharmacies can be restocked and dispensed under specific conditions, aiming to make more medications available to indigent patients who may struggle to afford them.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB69 appears largely positive, especially among healthcare advocates and organizations supporting affordable access to medications. Proponents believe that the bill addresses essential healthcare needs and represents a critical step in reducing waste while maximizing the availability of necessary medications for those in need. However, some concerns persist regarding the proper handling and safety of donated drugs, with varying opinions on the extent to which the program should be regulated to protect patients.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the specifics of the regulations that will govern how drugs are donated, stored, and dispensed. There are debates around the potential for misuse or mishandling of donated medications, which could pose risks to patient health. Additionally, while the proposed handling fees for pharmacies distributing these drugs may encourage participation, they also raise concerns about what might be perceived as a barrier to access. The ongoing legislative discussions will likely focus on ensuring that the benefits of this program are realized while addressing any unintended consequences.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB2363

Further providing for title and short title of act, for definitions, for establishment of program, for restocking and dispensing of cancer drugs, for storage, distribution and fees and for immunity, providing for annual report and for list of approved participating pharmacies and further providing for regulations.

PA HB1993

Further providing for title of act; in preliminary provisions, further providing for short title, for scope of act and for definitions and providing for regulations; in pharmacy audits, further providing for limitations; in registration, further providing for PBM and auditing entity registration; providing for pharmacy benefits manager contracts; in PBM cost transparency requirements, providing for PBM transparency report required, repealing provisions relating to regulations and providing for PSAO reporting requirements; in enforcements, further providing for scope of enforcement authority; providing for pharmacy services; and making repeals.

PA SB82

In short title and definitions, further providing for

PA SB1262

Further providing for definitions, for midwifery and for nurse-midwife license; and providing for certified midwife license.

PA SB81

Further providing for definitions and for unlawful acts.

PA SB1169

Further providing for definitions and for drug overdose medication.

PA SB1000

Further providing for title of act; in preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in pharmacy audits, further providing for limitations; and providing for pharmacy benefit manager contract requirements and prohibited acts.

PA SB835

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in program, further providing for program established, for confidentiality and public disclosure, for lawful use of medical marijuana and for unlawful use of medical marijuana; in practitioners, further providing for practitioner registration, for practitioner restrictions, for issuance of certification and for duration; in patients, further providing for identification cards, for verification and for contents of identification card; in medical marijuana organizations, further providing for granting of permit, for relocation and for limitations on permits; in medical marijuana controls, further providing for electronic tracking, for grower/processors, for storage and transportation, for laboratory and for prices and providing for recalls; in dispensaries, further providing for dispensing to patients and caregivers and for facility requirements; in tax on medical marijuana, further providing for Medical Marijuana Program Fund; in Medical Marijuana Advisory Board, further providing for advisory board; in research program, further providing for establishment of medical marijuana research program, for medical marijuana research program administration and for approval; in academic clinical research centers and clinical registrants, further providing for legislative findings and declaration of policy, for definitions and for clinical registrants and providing for termination of contract; and, in miscellaneous provisions, further providing for applicability.

PA HB2354

In short title and definitions, further providing for definitions; in licenses, tags and kennels, further providing for kennels, for requirements for kennels, for revocation or refusal of kennel licenses and for health certificates for importation; and, in enforcement and penalties, further providing for rules and regulations.

PA HB2413

In short title and definitions, further providing for definitions; in licenses, tags and kennels, further providing for kennels, for requirements for kennels, for revocation or refusal of kennel licenses and for health certificates for importation; and, in enforcement and penalties, further providing for rules and regulations.

Similar Bills

TX SB2173

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

IA SF383

A bill for an act relating to pharmacy benefits managers, pharmacies, prescription drugs, and pharmacy services administrative organizations, and including applicability provisions. (Formerly SSB 1074.) Effective date: 07/01/2025. Applicability date: 07/01/2025.

CA AB458

Importation of prescription drugs.

PA HB2363

Further providing for title and short title of act, for definitions, for establishment of program, for restocking and dispensing of cancer drugs, for storage, distribution and fees and for immunity, providing for annual report and for list of approved participating pharmacies and further providing for regulations.

CA SB1361

Prescription drugs: cost sharing: pharmacy benefit managers.

IA HF2401

A bill for an act relating to pharmacy benefits managers, pharmacies, and prescription drug pricing, and providing applicability provisions. (Formerly HSB 640.)

TX HB5248

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

TX SB1263

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