Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB7535

Introduced
3/5/24  
Refer
3/5/24  

Caption

Prescription Drug Supply Chain Pricing Transparency Act

Impact

The proposed bill seeks to uncover various elements of drug pricing, including the magnitude and nature of compensation structures used by different players in the prescription drug supply chain. By focusing on these parameters, the act aims to identify potential conflicts of interest and uncover patterns in price-related compensation. The findings from this study could lead to informed recommendations for both legislative action and administrative reforms, ultimately aiming at reducing drug costs for consumers and enhancing the accountability of entities involved in drug pricing.

Summary

House Bill 7535, officially known as the Prescription Drug Supply Chain Pricing Transparency Act, mandates the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a comprehensive study on the compensation and payment structures related to the pricing of prescription drugs within the retail supply chain. This legislation is a critical step towards greater transparency in drug pricing, aimed at understanding how intermediaries such as pharmacy benefit managers, wholesalers, and pharmacies operate concerning drug prices. It emphasizes the need to reveal factors contributing to the current pricing models and their implications for healthcare stakeholders.

Contention

Notably, there may be debates surrounding the implications of this bill, particularly regarding how it might affect current business models for stakeholders involved in the prescription drug supply chain. While supporters may argue that transparency leads to fairer pricing and eliminates conflicts of interest, opponents could raise concerns about the impact of increased scrutiny on the profitability of intermediaries and the potential pushback from industries resistant to change. Therefore, as the bill progresses, the discussions around its potential impact on the healthcare system will likely intensify.

Companion Bills

US SB2198

Same As Prescription Drug Supply Chain Pricing Transparency Act

US SB2973

Related Modernizing and Ensuring PBM Accountability Act

Similar Bills

CA AB2789

Health care practitioners: prescriptions: electronic data transmission.

CA AB852

Health care practitioners: electronic prescriptions.

CA AB149

Controlled substances: prescriptions.

TX HB2246

Relating to certain procedures applicable to electronic prescriptions for Schedule II controlled substances.

TX SB594

Relating to the regulation of prescriptions for controlled substances, including certain procedures applicable to electronic prescriptions for Schedule II controlled substances.

TX HB2766

Relating to electronic and other controlled substance prescriptions under the Texas Controlled Substances Act; authorizing a fee.