The proposed bill aims to enhance patient access to discounted medications and health care services in Washington by safeguarding the 340B drug pricing program from manufacturer-imposed limitations. The 340B program is crucial for providing affordable medications to low-income and uninsured populations through eligible health care providers, including federally qualified health centers and critical access hospitals. The bill emphasizes the importance of contract pharmacies in facilitating access to these medications and recognizes that over 20 states have already enacted measures to prevent manufacturers from restricting the ability of 340B covered entities to serve patients through these pharmacies.

To enforce these protections, the bill prohibits manufacturers, distributors, and third-party logistics providers from denying or restricting the acquisition and delivery of 340B drugs to covered entities and their contracted pharmacies. It also allows covered entities to file civil actions against violators, with potential penalties of up to $5,000 per day for each violation. The attorney general is empowered to enforce the provisions of the bill, which are deemed to significantly impact public interest under the consumer protection act. Additionally, the bill includes a severability clause to ensure that if any part is found invalid, the rest remains effective.