HB 13-1121 Summary

• Allows pharmacists to substitute FDA-approved interchangeable biosimilar products for prescribed biological products if the prescriber has not marked the prescription "dispense as written."

• Requires pharmacists to notify the prescribing practitioner in writing, orally, or electronically within 3 business days of any biosimilar substitution to enable accurate tracking of adverse events.

• Pharmacies must retain written or electronic records of biosimilar substitutions for at least 5 years and must communicate the substitution to the patient in writing and orally.

• Biosimilar substitution is only permitted when the biosimilar product costs less than the prescribed biological product, unless the prescribed product is out of stock and the patient consents to the higher-priced biosimilar.

• Requires the state board of pharmacy to maintain a website link to the FDA resource identifying biosimilar products approved as interchangeable with specific biological products.