Bill > H1374

This bill establishes a comprehensive state-wide drug repository program that allows various entities, including healthcare facilities, pharmacies, government agencies, and individual donors, to donate unused, unopened, and unexpired medicines to recipients who can then redistribute these medicines to eligible patients. Eligible patients include those who are indigent, uninsured, underinsured, or enrolled in public health benefits programs. The program has strict guidelines for donation, including requirements that donated medicines must be in unopened, tamper-evident packaging, not be controlled substances, and meet FDA and United States Pharmacopeia standards. Recipients must maintain detailed records of donations, store medicines securely, and can repackage medicines if necessary. Healthcare professionals can substitute donated drugs with therapeutically equivalent alternatives, and participants in the program are protected from civil, criminal, and professional liability when acting in good faith. The bill aims to increase access to medication for patients who might otherwise struggle to afford necessary drugs, while ensuring safety and proper handling of donated medicines. Notably, donated medicines cannot be resold, though recipients may charge reasonable handling fees, and the program allows for donations across state lines with certain compliance requirements.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1374