CS/HB 19 - Prescription Drug Importation Programs

• Establishes two prescription drug importation programs: the Canadian Prescription Drug Importation Program (managed by Agency for Health Care Administration) and the International Prescription Drug Importation Program (managed by Department of Business and Professional Regulation).

• Canadian program allows importation of safe, effective prescription drugs from Canada by specified entities (Medicaid pharmacies, county health departments, corrections, developmental disabilities centers, and treatment facilities) with federal approval required by July 1, 2020.

• International program allows importation of prescription drugs from foreign nations with U.S. mutual recognition agreements by wholesale distributors, pharmacies, pharmacists, and nonresident manufacturers, with detailed supply chain documentation and testing requirements.

• Establishes new permitting requirements for international export pharmacies and international prescription drug wholesale distributors, including financial responsibility standards and inspection authority.

• Implementation contingent on federal authorization; exempts qualifying drug importations from criminal prosecution and modifies prohibited acts under Florida law to allow importation under these programs.