AN ACT relating to the importation of prescription drugs.
     Create a new section of KRS Chapter 217 to require the Governor, in coordination with the secretary of the Cabinet for Health Services, to request that the Secretary of the United States Department of Health and Human Services certify to Congress that drug importation from foreign countries by licensed pharmacists, distributors, and wholesalers poses no additional risk to the public's health and safety and would result in a reduction in prescription drug costs; require the Governor and the secretary of the Cabinet for Health Services to request that the secretary of the Department for Health and Human Services promulgate administrative regulations permitting pharmacists, distributors, and wholesalers to import drugs from foreign countries; require the Cabinet for Health Services to design a prescription drug program to facilitate the importation of prescription drugs from foreign countries by pharmacists, distributors, and wholesalers licensed in Kentucky once federal regulations have been promulgated; require that the program consist of a drug formulary and patient safety protections; specify requirements for the formulary; require that imported prescription drugs be available for sale to consumers and recipients of state health programs; require the cabinet to negotiate with pharmacists to ensure that any savings from imported drugs be passed on to consumers and state health programs; require pharmacies to sell imported drugs at the lessor of one hundred ten percent (120%) of the amount paid for the imported drug or the amount that Medicaid reimburses for the drug; and require an annual report to the Governor and the Legislative Research Commission regarding the effectiveness and cost savings of the program.

     (Prefiled by the sponsor(s).)

     Jan 3-introduced in House; to Health and Welfare (H)
     Jan 10-posted in committee
     Jan 26-reported favorably, 1st reading, to Calendar
     Jan 27-2nd reading, to Rules
     Feb 1-posted for passage in the Regular Orders of the Day for Thursday, February 2, 2006
     Feb 8-3rd reading, passed 58-35
     Feb 9-received in Senate
     Feb 13-to Judiciary (S)