Bill > HB4457

This bill prohibits pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs), which are entities that manage prescription drug benefits on behalf of health insurers, from owning or having any direct or indirect interest in a pharmacy license for retail drug sales in Oklahoma. The State Board of Pharmacy will be responsible for enforcing this prohibition by revoking or not renewing licenses of violating entities. However, there's a limited exception until September 1, 2028, allowing the Board to issue temporary "limited use licenses" for rare, orphan, or otherwise unavailable drugs, with specific processes for patients, pharmacies, and healthcare providers to request these licenses. The Board can also extend licenses for pharmacies undergoing sale if they provide critical patient services. The bill also outlines a process for the Board to notify pharmacies that may be in violation and requires those pharmacies to then notify their patients and healthcare providers about the inability to dispense retail drugs after January 1, 2027, providing specific information about alternative pharmacies. An exception exists for a pharmacy employer that exclusively services its own employees and dependents while using an affiliated PBM, provided the PBM's sole Oklahoma client is that pharmacy employer.

Health and Social Services

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=hb4457&Session=2600