2021 -- H 5244

========

LC000705

========

     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2021

____________

A N   A C T

RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- PHARMACIES

     Introduced By: Representatives Edwards, and Kazarian

     Date Introduced: January 29, 2021

     Referred To: House Health & Human Services

     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:

     5-19.1-36. Prescription drug price savings.

     (a) When dispensing a prescription, a pharmacist 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.

========

LC000705

========

EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- PHARMACIES

***

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

directed otherwise by the doctor. It would also exempt pharmacists automatically charging the

lowest available price.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

========

LC000705

========

LC000705 - Page 2 of 2