Texas House Bill HB991

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

Relating to disclosure by a pharmacy of a list of prescription drug retail prices.

Impact

The passage of HB 991 would significantly impact state pharmacy regulation by introducing a new framework for price transparency. Pharmacies would be required to not only disclose the retail price of listed drugs but also indicate the availability and price of generic alternatives when applicable. This is expected to promote competition among pharmacies and potentially lead to lower prescription drug prices for consumers, as they would be informed of available options and pricing disparities in the market.

Summary

House Bill 991 seeks to enhance transparency in prescription drug pricing by requiring pharmacies to disclose a list of retail prices for the most frequently dispensed prescription drugs. The legislation aims to empower consumers with information that can help them make informed decisions when purchasing medications. Specifically, the bill mandates that pharmacies compile and update a retail price list of the 150 most commonly prescribed drugs, ensuring this list remains accessible to consumers both in printed and electronic formats.

Contention

While the bill is largely aimed at benefiting consumers, there are potential points of contention surrounding its implementation. Pharmacies may express concerns regarding the administrative burden of maintaining and updating the price lists, as well as the implications of publicizing pricing that could lead to competitive disadvantages. Furthermore, the bill does not apply to Class E pharmacies, which could lead to discussions about fairness and comprehensiveness in pricing disclosures across different types of pharmacies operating in Texas.