February 4, 2008
New Report on Prescription Drugs Shows Strong Role for States
DENVER - At least 38 states are introducing legislation this year to make pharmaceuticals more accessible and affordable to the general public. A nationwide report is being released this week by the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL).
The report, 2008 Prescription Drug State Legislation, is the first to provide an in-depth look at pending legislation, in state capitols across the country, aimed at improving accessibility, affordability and distribution of prescription drugs. The report highlights more than 540 pending bills and resolutions among the 44 states with legislative sessions this year.
For legislators and policymakers, it provides a roadmap to the diverse ideas in other states. The 32-page report also is a useful tool for medical professionals and members of the general public who have an interest in costs and access to medicines. More than 120 million Americans rely on prescription drugs regularly each year. States have a visible stake in creating new laws and policies. Also, prescription drugs are a visible component of several comprehensive health-reform proposals.
"Legislators recognize the high stakes involved in assisting, or limiting, patients' access to life-saving, but costly medicines, " said Richard Cauchi, a Health Program Director and co-author of NCSL's report. "Not everyone agrees on how much state government can or should do to pay for drugs, to regulate the pharmaceutical market or to act as a broker or clearinghouse. There is no single 'template' or 'magic bullet,' but there are certainly a lot of ideas in the works for 2008."
The chart is an overview of pending legislation relating to pharmaceuticals and the number of states considering it.
| Pending Legislation |
States Considering Legislation |
|
Expand use of 340B drug discount price program |
8 states |
|
Access to brand name pharmaceutical products |
14 states |
|
Related to pricing of pharmaceuticals
|
21 states |
|
Multi-state or inter-agency pharmaceutical bulk purchasing |
6 states |
Pharmaceutical marketing and advertising |
20 states and District of Columbia
|
|
Rx clearinghouse information |
10 states |
|
Rx discount programs, create or expand |
14 states |
|
Electronic prescription drug orders, records and monitoring |
13 states |
|
Generic drug use |
13 states |
|
Regulate or coordinate drug importation |
7 states |
|
Regulate Internet pharmacies |
5 states |
|
Protect Rx manufacturers or providers from lawsuits |
3 states |
|
Mail-order pharmaceuticals |
9 states |
|
Medicare Prescription Drug Act (MMA) states role |
15 states |
|
Regulation of pharmaceutical benefit managers |
14 states |
|
Preferred Drug List - expand or regulate |
10 states |
|
Restrict sale or disclosure of Rx sales with patient or prescriber information |
15 states and District of Columbia |
|
Rx/health insurance reform bill (Rx component) |
6 states |
|
Reuse or recycling of pharmaceuticals |
11 states |
|
State Rx subsidy program |
16 states |
|
Drug safety issues |
6 states |
|
Tax deductions, incentives or credits for Rx |
6 states |
|
Disclose or regulate in-state Rx clinical trials |
5 states |
|
Regulate Rx wholesalers; preventing counterfeits |
8 states |
*Research for the report was led by Karmen Hanson for NCSL's Pharmaceuticals Project, based in Denver. Regular updates will be added as bills progress through the legislative process.
NCSL is the bipartisan organization that serves the legislators and staff of the states, commonwealths and territories. It provides research, technical assistance and opportunities for policymakers to exchange ideas on the most pressing state issues and is an effective and respected advocate for the interests of the states in the American federal system.
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