Bill > HB1133

This bill requires drug manufacturers and certain patient advocacy organizations to register with the Maryland Department of Health before launching a disease awareness campaign, which is defined as a public health effort to inform people about a specific medical condition, including its risk factors, symptoms, prevention, and treatment options. A drug manufacturer is defined as a company that makes or leases prescription drugs or devices for marketing under its own name, while a patient advocacy organization is one that supports patients or their caregivers and focuses on a diagnosed medical condition. This registration requirement specifically applies to patient advocacy organizations that receive funding from a drug manufacturer involved with the disease being highlighted in the campaign. Both entities must disclose to the Department whether the drug manufacturer is developing, manufacturing, or marketing a drug or device related to the campaign's focus, and if so, they must specify which drug or device. Furthermore, if the campaign is promoting a specific drug or device, any materials produced for it must clearly state the name of the drug or device being marketed. The Department of Health is tasked with creating regulations to implement these provisions, and the law is set to take effect on October 1, 2026.

Health and Social Services

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB1133?ys=2026RS