HB 14-1281 Summary

• Creates the "Right to Try Act" allowing terminally ill patients to access investigational drugs, biological products, and devices that have completed Phase One clinical trials but lack FDA approval.

• Establishes "eligible patient" criteria including terminal illness diagnosis, exhaustion of approved treatments, inability to access clinical trials within 100 miles or within one week, physician recommendation, and written informed consent.

• Permits drug manufacturers to provide investigational treatments to eligible patients voluntarily or with cost compensation, with no requirement to make products available.

• Prohibits health insurance carriers from denying coverage for up to six months after treatment use, except for preexisting conditions and previously commenced benefits.

• Protects healthcare providers from license revocation or disciplinary action for recommending investigational treatments consistent with medical standards of care and shields manufacturers and caregivers from liability except for failure to exercise reasonable care.