The "Defending Affordable Prescription Drug Costs Act" is a proposed addition to Title 5 of the General Laws, aimed at regulating the treatment of 340B entities by health insurers, pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), and other third-party payors. The bill defines key terms to clarify the stakeholders and scope of the legislation. It seeks to prevent discriminatory practices against 340B entities by ensuring they receive reimbursement for 340B drugs at rates no less than those for non-340B entities and are not subjected to terms or conditions that could disadvantage them. The bill outlines prohibited practices, such as imposing additional fees on 340B entities or discriminating in ways that affect patient choice, while excluding its application to Medicaid as a payor.

The bill also protects the 340B drug pricing program by prohibiting pharmaceutical manufacturers and wholesalers from interfering with the acquisition or delivery of 340B drugs to pharmacies contracted with a 340B entity, except as 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 the bill does not allow for private or class actions. It ensures that its provisions align with federal law and regulations and that limited drug distribution required by federal law is not deemed a violation. The act will take effect upon passage.