Bill > HB2645

This bill establishes new regulations in Arizona concerning the pricing of prescription drugs, specifically targeting "essential off-patent or generic drugs," which are defined as medications whose exclusive marketing rights have expired, are recognized by the World Health Organization or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services as essential, are manufactured and marketed by three or fewer companies, and are available in Arizona. The bill prohibits "price gouging," defined as an unconscionable increase in a drug's price that is excessive and not justified by production costs or efforts to expand access, and where consumers have no meaningful alternative due to the drug's importance and lack of market competition. The Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS), the state's medical assistance program, can report significant price increases (at least 50% in wholesale acquisition cost or price paid by AHCCCS within a year) to the Attorney General if a 30-day supply or full course of treatment exceeds $80. Manufacturers must then provide detailed cost justifications to the Attorney General, who can seek court orders to compel information, stop violations, recover money for consumers, require the drug to be sold at a previous price for up to a year, and impose civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation, while protecting confidential commercial information.

Health and Social Services

https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/84471