2019 -- H 5296

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LC001228

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2019

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- PHARMACIES

     Introduced By: Representatives Edwards, Shekarchi, Bennett, Canario, and Jacquard

     Date Introduced: February 06, 2019

     Referred To: House Health, Education & Welfare

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Chapter 5-19.1 of the General Laws entitled "Pharmacies" is hereby

amended by adding thereto the following section:

     5-19.1-34. Prescription drug price savings.

     (a) Pharmacists when dispensing a prescription shall advise the individual presenting the

prescription of every substitute drug containing all the same active chemical ingredients of the

same strength, quantity and dosage available at a lesser cost, unless ordered by the prescribing

physician to dispense as brand name necessary on the prescription form.

     (b) The provisions of this section shall not apply if the pharmacist is automatically

charging the individual presenting the prescription with the lowest price active chemical

ingredients of the same strength, quantity and dosage.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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LC001228

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- PHARMACIES

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     This act would provide that pharmacists shall disclose lesser price drug substitutions

unless directed otherwise by the doctor. Exempts pharmacists automatically charging the lowest

available price.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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LC001228

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