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HB 69

An Act amending the act of May 13, 2008 (P.L.139, No.14), known as the Cancer Drug Repository Program Act, further providing for title and short title of act, for definitions, for establishment, for restocking and dispensing of cancer drugs, for storage, distribution and fees and for immunity; providing for annual report, for list of approved participating pharmacies and for limitations; further providing for regulations; and imposing duties on the State Board of Pharmacy.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Joe Ciresi and 17 co-sponsors

Pennsylvania updates its cancer medication donation program to improve drug distribution access, storage safety, and regulatory oversight for uninsured and underinsured patients.

Re-referred to Appropriations
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Bill Summary · HB 69

Legislative bill overview

HB 69 amends Pennsylvania's Cancer Drug Repository Program Act to expand and modernize the program that distributes unused, donated cancer medications to uninsured and underinsured patients. The bill updates definitions, operational procedures, storage and distribution protocols, fee structures, and regulatory oversight by the State Board of Pharmacy, while clarifying immunity protections for participating entities.

Why is this important

Cancer medications are among the most expensive drugs, and patients who cannot afford them often forego or delay treatment. This program allows donated, unopened medications to be redistributed safely and legally, potentially improving treatment access for financially vulnerable patients while reducing pharmaceutical waste. The amendments suggest the program needs modernization to function more effectively or address operational gaps identified since the 2008 original law.

Potential points of contention

  • Drug safety and liability: Stricter or looser immunity protections could affect pharmacy willingness to participate versus patient safety concerns about medication distribution chains
  • Program sustainability and costs: Changes to fee structures may impact whether the program is self-sustaining or requires state funding; pricing could affect participating pharmacies' participation rates
  • Access vs. oversight: Expanding eligible participants and distribution points improves access but requires balancing against regulatory complexity and auditing requirements to prevent abuse or diversion

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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