Bill > HB897

This bill establishes a drug repository program in Georgia to accept and dispense unused prescription drugs to eligible patients, defined as those who are indigent, uninsured, underinsured, or enrolled in public assistance health benefits programs, with a priority given to these groups. The program, to be overseen by the Department of Public Health, will allow various entities, including pharmacies and hospitals, to donate drugs that are in unopened, tamper-evident packaging and do not expire before they can be used by a patient. Controlled substances and certain other restricted drugs will not be accepted. The bill also repeals an existing act related to the utilization of unused prescription drugs and makes conforming changes to laws concerning medical assistance to reflect the new drug repository program, allowing for the payment of restocking fees for donated drugs. Importantly, individuals and entities involved in donating or dispensing these drugs are protected from civil or criminal liability unless their actions involve willful or wanton misconduct.