Virginia House Bill HB591

Virginia 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/22
• Refer: 1/11/22

Caption

State agency prescription drug purchasing, etc.; Sec. of HHR to develop plan to consolidate.

Impact

The bill details the steps the Secretary must take, including compiling a list of the 25 most expensive prescription drugs and the 25 drugs with the highest overall spending by state agencies. This data-driven approach is intended to prioritize drugs that present the most significant opportunities for cost reduction. Moreover, the bill aims to transition pharmacy services within the Commonwealth's medical assistance framework to a fee-for-service model, enhancing program efficiency and delivering anticipated cost savings.

Summary

House Bill 591 mandates the Secretary of Health and Human Resources to devise a comprehensive plan aimed at consolidating state agency prescription drug purchasing and reimbursement programs. The principal objective of the bill is to enhance efficiency in the procurement process for prescription drugs and ultimately reduce associated expenditures. By reviewing existing purchasing processes across various state agencies, the Secretary is tasked with identifying potential areas for improvement in the negotiation and arrangement of drug purchases.

Contention

One notable aspect of this bill is the emphasis on collaborative purchasing strategies, which may include local governments and private entities in the Commonwealth's bulk purchase program. This could lead to broader implications for future procurements and regulatory frameworks surrounding healthcare services. While supporters may view this as a means to streamline operations and save taxpayer dollars, concerns could arise regarding the potential impacts on smaller agencies or private providers who may have less leverage in statewide negotiations for drug pricing.

Future_reports

Finally, HB591 requires the Secretary to provide interim and final reports to the Governor and the General Assembly, ensuring transparency and accountability in the implementation of the proposed plan. These reports will not only detail potential cost savings but also outline any necessary changes to legislation or policy required to facilitate successful consolidation, thereby positioning the state to make informed decisions on healthcare spending.