UNOFFICIAL COPY AS OF 12/31/1803 REG. SESS.03 RS BR 1903
A RESOLUTION encouraging the Interim Joint Committee on Health and Welfare to study the impact of transferring unused prescription drugs to charitable health care providers.
WHEREAS, thousands of Kentuckians do not have any form of prescription drug coverage; and
WHEREAS, the cost of prescription drug coverage is too expensive for many Kentuckians to afford; and
WHEREAS, although there are patient assistance programs offered by pharmaceutical companies, many of these companies consider these assistance programs to be a short-term, last-resort option for people who are unable to afford their products; and
WHEREAS, most patient assistance programs have maximum income limits, usually based on federal poverty guidelines, that limit access to the services provided by these programs; and
WHEREAS, a drug repository program that would collect unused prescription drugs in original packaging from health care providers could help fill the void in prescription drug coverage for many Kentuckians; and
WHEREAS, it is vital for the Kentucky General Assembly to act toward securing access to prescription drugs for all Kentuckians;
NOW, THEREFORE,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives of the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Kentucky:
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BR190300.100-1903
UNOFFICIAL COPY AS OF 12/31/1803 REG. SESS.03 RS BR 1903
Section 1. The House of Representatives encourages the Interim Joint Committee on Health and Welfare to study the impact of transferring unused prescription drugs from health care providers to charitable health care providers. The study may include but not be limited to the following:
(1)Establishing a plan for a drug repository program to accept and dispense prescription drugs donated for the purpose of being dispensed to individuals that meet specific eligibility standards;
(2)Establishing transfer requirements to be followed by health care providers who donate prescription drugs to the drug repository; and
(3)Establishing the eligibility standards for people obtaining prescription drugs from the drug repository program.
Section 2. The Interim Joint Committee on Health and Welfare is urged to obtain input from:
(1)The Department for Public Health;
(2)The Kentucky Board of Pharmacy;
(3)The Department for Medicaid Services; and
(4)Representatives from drug manufacturers, health care facilities, government entities, and pharmacies that may donate prescription drugs to the repository, and consumer advocates representing persons who may obtain the drugs.
Section 3. If the Interim Joint Committee on Health and Welfare studies the impact of transferring unused prescription drugs to charitable health care providers, the committee should submit a report of its findings and recommendations to the Legislative Research Commission no later than November 1, 2003.
Section 4. Provisions of this Resolution to the contrary notwithstanding, the Legislative Research Commission shall have the authority to alternatively assign the issues identified herein to an interim joint committee or subcommittee thereof, and to designate a study completion date.
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BR190300.100-1903