HB 1979 Summary

• Establishes a Canadian Prescription Drug Importation Program within the Department of Health to import safe and effective prescription drugs from Canada that offer the highest potential for cost savings to the State.

• Requires the Department of Health to submit a request for federal approval to the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services by July 1, 2025, and begin operating the program within six months of receiving approval.

• Limits eligible importers to pharmacists and wholesalers employed by or under contract with Medicaid pharmacies, the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, forensic facilities, licensed developmental disabilities homes, and state-owned hospitals and clinics.

• Restricts eligible drugs to non-controlled substances, excluding biological products, infused drugs, intravenous drugs, drugs inhaled during surgery, and parenteral drugs determined by HHS to pose a public health threat.

• Requires vendors to develop annual importation lists, verify Canadian suppliers' compliance with federal and provincial law, conduct drug testing and authentication, maintain seven-year documentation records, and submit annual operational reports to the governor and legislature; includes appropriation and expenditure ceiling adjustment provisions.