Bill > HB446

This bill amends the Health Care Facilities Act to require hospitals and ambulatory surgical facilities to offer patients any unused portions of facility-provided medications at no additional charge upon discharge, under specific conditions. The bill defines "facility-provided medication" as multi-dose drug products suitable for a single patient's acute clinical condition, excluding intravenous drugs and controlled substances. Hospitals must provide written discharge instructions including proper medication use, remaining doses, and contact information for the prescriber or pharmacist. The bill allows prescribers to fulfill counseling requirements through patient counseling and provides liability protection for healthcare providers acting in good faith when offering these medications. Specifically, providers will not be held liable for patient misuse unless there is gross negligence or willful misconduct. The legislation aims to reduce medical waste, potentially lower patient costs, and improve continuity of care by enabling patients to take home partially used medications that are clinically appropriate for continued treatment after their hospital or surgical facility episode. The act will take effect 60 days after its passage.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=446