Virginia House Bill HB1194

Virginia 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/10/24
• Refer: 1/10/24

Caption

Therapeutically equivalent drug products; provisions for return of outdated drugs.

Impact

The implications of HB1194 are significant as it modifies §54.1-3408.03 of the Code of Virginia to streamline the process by which pharmacists can substitute drugs. This amendment is expected to foster greater access to affordable medications for patients while ensuring that prescribers retain some control over the medications their patients receive. However, the bill mandates that if a substitute is dispensed, the retail price must be lower than that of the prescribed brand drug, thereby incentivizing the use of cost-effective alternatives.

Summary

House Bill 1194 addresses the dispensing of therapeutically equivalent drug products by pharmacists in Virginia. The bill outlines that a pharmacist is permitted to dispense a therapeutically equivalent drug product in place of a brand-name drug, unless the prescriber specifically indicates on the prescription that they do not authorize such a substitution. This provision aims to promote the use of generic drugs, which are often less expensive and can provide similar therapeutic effects to their brand-name counterparts.

Contention

While HB1194 aims to improve cost savings for consumers, there could be points of contention surrounding the bill. Some prescribers may feel that their authority is being undermined if pharmacists can override their prescriptions via substitution. Moreover, concerns may arise regarding the quality and efficacy of therapeutically equivalent drugs, as some may argue that not all generic equivalents are truly comparable to their brand-name counterparts. The bill also stipulates that manufacturers must provide a way for pharmacies to return outdated drugs, which could lead to discussions about the responsibilities of drug manufacturers in ensuring safe and effective medication management.