Bill > SJ33

This joint resolution requests the Legislative Council to designate an interim committee or allocate staff resources to conduct a comprehensive study of Montana's prescription drug supply chain. The study aims to examine the structure, roles, and relationships among key stakeholders including pharmacies, pharmacy benefit managers, manufacturers, providers, wholesalers, patients, and health plans. The resolution directs researchers to investigate factors affecting pharmacy operations, prescription drug affordability, and patient access, with a particular focus on rural and underserved areas. The study must use aggregated or voluntarily provided data, ensuring no proprietary or confidential business information is requested. Researchers are tasked with engaging stakeholders across the supply chain, developing recommendations for statutory or regulatory changes, and evaluating how proposed changes would improve patient medication access, address cost impacts, and support independent pharmacy sustainability. The study must be completed before September 15, 2026, with final results to be reported to the 70th Legislature, ensuring a transparent and comprehensive analysis of the prescription drug ecosystem in Montana.

Business and Industry

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC0632