Bill > S5021

This bill, the 340B Pharmaceutical Access To Invest in Essential, Needed Treatments & Support Act of 2024 (or the 340B PATIENTS Act of 2024), aims to ensure the accessibility of drugs furnished through the 340B drug discount program. The key provisions of the bill are: 1. It clarifies that drug manufacturers must offer drug discount pricing to covered entities regardless of the manner or location in which the drug is dispensed, and prohibits manufacturers from placing conditions on covered entities' ability to purchase and use 340B drugs. 2. It clarifies that covered entities can contract with pharmacies to dispense 340B drugs on their behalf, to help them stretch resources and provide more comprehensive services. The requirements and prohibitions that apply to manufacturers also apply in the case of a covered entity that contracts with a pharmacy to dispense 340B drugs. 3. It authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish regulations for the imposition of civil monetary penalties on manufacturers that knowingly and intentionally violate the requirements related to offering 340B drug discount pricing and not placing conditions on covered entities' use of 340B drugs. The bill aims to ensure that the 340B program, which enables covered entities to stretch resources to reach more patients and provide more services, is not undermined by manufacturer restrictions on the use of contract pharmacies or other conditions on 340B drug purchases.