HB3957 - GENERIC DRUG PRICING FAIRNESS

77 Co-Sponsors

Reinserts the provisions of the introduced bill with the following changes. Sets forth legislative findings. Provides that the Director of Healthcare and Family Services or Director of Central Management Services shall (rather than may) notify the Attorney General of any increase in the price of any essential off-patent or generic drug under the State’s Medical Assistance Program or a State health plan, respectively, that amounts to price gouging. Provides that a notice sent by the Attorney General to the manufacturer or wholesale drug distributor of an essential off-patent or generic drug shall serve as a litigation hold regarding documents and communications about that drug. Provides that upon petition of the Attorney General, a circuit court may issue an order imposing a civil penalty of up to $10,000 per day (rather than only $10,000) for each violation of the Act or providing for the Attorney General's recovery of costs and disbursements incurred in bringing an action against a manufacturer found to be in violation of the Act. Makes other changes. Effective January 1, 2024.