Bill > HB1332

This bill, known as the "Georgia Buy American Medicine Act," requires hospitals and other healthcare providers in Georgia that receive state funds to prioritize the purchase of prescription drugs manufactured in the United States, provided these American-made pharmaceuticals are reasonably available and their cost is not substantially higher (more than 20% greater) than foreign alternatives, and their procurement would not jeopardize patient safety or clinical outcomes. The act defines "American manufactured pharmaceutical" as a drug manufactured, processed, and finished within the U.S. and registered with the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and "finished" means the drug is in its final form for patient administration. Exceptions to this preference are allowed in cases where an American-made drug is unavailable, would endanger patient safety, is needed for emergencies or drug shortages, or is significantly more expensive, but providers must document the basis for any such exception. The Department of Community Health is tasked with creating rules to enforce this law, and non-compliance could lead to corrective actions or loss of state funding eligibility, while ensuring the law does not interfere with medical judgment or conflict with federal regulations.