The bill introduces a new chapter titled "Defending Affordable Prescription Drug Costs Act" to Title 5 of the General Laws, aimed at establishing rules and protections for 340B entities and drugs. It defines key terms related to the 340B drug pricing program and sets forth provisions to prevent discriminatory practices by health insurers, pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), and other third-party payors. These entities are prohibited from reimbursing 340B drugs at lower rates than non-340B drugs, imposing different terms or conditions, requiring unnecessary claim modifications, or discriminating in ways that interfere with patient choice. The bill also prevents the exclusion of 340B entities from networks and the requirement to submit cost or pricing data for 340B drugs, with the exception that these provisions do not apply to Medicaid as a payor.

The bill further protects the 340B drug pricing program by prohibiting pharmaceutical manufacturers and wholesalers from denying or interfering with the acquisition or delivery of 340B drugs to pharmacies contracted with a 340B entity, unless such actions are prohibited by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Violations of these provisions are considered violations of the Rhode Island Deceptive Trade Practices Act, with applicable penalties, but no private or class actions can be brought under this act. The bill ensures that its provisions align with federal law and clarifies that limited drug distribution required under federal law is not a violation. The act is effective upon passage.