Bill > HB1348

This bill establishes an Office of Pharmaceutical Services within the Department of General Services aimed at increasing efficiency and reducing costs in state prescription drug purchasing. The bill requires the department to conduct a comprehensive review of prescription drug purchasing across state agencies, identifying which agencies buy or provide prescription drugs and pharmacy benefits. Specifically, the department must develop a strategic list of the 25 most expensive drugs and the 25 drugs generating the highest total spending among state agencies in the previous year. The Secretaries of Administration, Health and Human Resources, and Public Safety and Homeland Security will support this effort. The bill mandates two reports: an interim report by November 1, 2024, detailing initial findings, and a final report by November 1, 2025, which must include policy recommendations for consolidating prescription drug purchasing, potentially transitioning to fee-for-service benefits, implementing group purchasing arrangements, and analyzing potential impacts on consumers and healthcare quality for state employees, Medicaid beneficiaries, and other affected patients.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs, Health and Social Services, Justice

https://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?251+sum+HB1348