Bill > HB2378

This bill amends an existing Virginia law regarding the dispensing of therapeutically equivalent drug products by pharmacists. Specifically, the bill adds a new provision (Section E) that requires drug manufacturers to establish robust return policies for outdated drugs in order for their therapeutically equivalent drug products to be eligible for dispensing. Under this new requirement, manufacturers must create return provisions that allow pharmacies to return drugs in both full and partial containers up to six months after the label's expiration date, with the option of receiving full credit or a replacement product. This provision aims to ensure that pharmacies can safely and economically manage their drug inventory by providing a clear mechanism for returning expired medications. The bill maintains existing rules that allow pharmacists to substitute generic drugs for brand-name prescriptions unless the prescriber specifically prohibits substitution or the patient requests the brand-name drug, while also ensuring that substituted drugs are priced lower than the original prescribed medication.