This bill allows the department of corrections to enter into purchasing agreements with drug manufacturers if such agreements are deemed cost beneficial to the state. It also modifies existing regulations regarding the substitution of generic drugs for prescriptions paid for by the department. Specifically, it removes the requirement for notification to be in the pharmacist's own handwriting and eliminates the reference to the Medicaid program in the context of drug substitutions. The new language stipulates that pharmacists can only select an equivalent drug product if its price is lower than that of the prescribed drug, and it empowers the department to establish collaborative purchasing structures to achieve cost savings.

Additionally, the bill grants the commissioner of the department of corrections the authority to waive certain regulations if necessary to ensure the availability of prescription services or to prevent serious economic hardship. The effective date of the act is set for 60 days after its passage, which is September 13, 2025. Overall, the bill aims to enhance cost efficiency in pharmaceutical services for state prisoners while maintaining necessary medical standards.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 623-C:2
Version adopted by both bodies: 623-C:2
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 623-C:2