2022 Legislative Update Days 32-35
Sine Die is next Monday and unfortunately, it looks like HB 1351 will not make it to the finish line.
GPhA is grateful for all of your calls and emails to Senators and Senate leadership over the last several weeks. The pharmacist’s response was phenomenal and we received positive feedback from several senators as a result of your calls.
On a positive note, consistent with GPhA’s initial legislative priority, there has been some money allocated in the budget for a pass-through dispensing fee and talks are going on in the hopes of maintaining and increasing the allocation in the final budget.
HB1591
One bill that has garnered national attention is from one of our own, Representative Ron Stephens. HB 1591 looks to add a sub-paragraph relating to the definition of racketeer-influenced and corrupt organizations to read as follows…
“(D) ‘Racketeering activity’ shall also mean the assessment of a retroactive fee or clawback by a pharmacy benefits manager, pharmacy services administrative organization, or insurance company on a pharmacy after a claim has been adjudicated, other than for fraud.”
This bill was introduced after crossover and so it is not viable to pass this year though with the attention it has received, it may shape policy and legislation in the months and years to come. Also, it made the PBMs sweat a little!
HR 823
House Study Committee on Pharmacy Deserts
This week there will be a press conference with State Representatives Sandra Scott (D-Rex), Kim Schofield (D-Atlanta), and Viola Davis (D-Stone Mountain) at the Capitol to discuss Three Key “Deserts” for Underserved Communities which includes pharmacies and how a lack of access has been a longstanding problem across the state.
HB 963
Controlled substances; Schedule I and IV; change certain provisions
Annual drug bill. Passed and waiting for Governor’s signature.
HB 1276
Community Health, Department of; statistical reports data relating to state health plans be posted on department website
Representative Hawkins’ bill that requires statistical reports relating to state health plans and prescription drug spending be posted on the department website. Passed through the House and waiting on a Senate vote.
HB 1279
Controlled substances; certain persons to carry prescription medications in a compartmentalized container
Representative Matthew Gambill’s bill will allow anyone with a chronic disease or anyone over age 65 who have been prescribed one or medications by a physician to carry their prescriptions in a compartmentalized container with the capacity to hold up to a 21 day supply. This bill is waiting on a Senate vote.
SB 341
Healthcare Services; guidelines for the prior authorization of a prescribed medication for chronic conditions requiring ongoing medication therapy
Senators Kirkpatrick, Burke, Watson and Hufstetler’s bill provides guidelines for the prior authorization for chronic conditions requiring ongoing medication therapy under certain circumstances to prevent, diagnose, treat or relieve symptoms of a chronic condition for at least a year. This bill is waiting to be signed by the Governor.
HB 867
Truth in Prescription Pricing for Patients Act
This bill is waiting on a Senate committee vote. GPhA will continue to monitor and support this bill.
If you have any questions, please reach out to me at mreybold@gpha.org.
Melissa Reybold
