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Bill

A 523

Directs the department of health to create a prescription drug inventory database

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Phil Steck

Directs the Department of Health to create a statewide prescription drug inventory database, boosting transparency on drug availability for providers, insurers, and policymakers.

REFERRED TO HEALTH
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Bill Summary · A 523

Bill A 523 — Directs the Department of Health to create a prescription drug inventory database

Overview

Bill A 523 would require the Department of Health (DOH) to establish a statewide prescription drug inventory database. The bill was introduced on January 8, 2025 and referred to the Health Committee. The primary sponsor is Phil Steck. A related bill from a prior session is A 8039.

Purpose and Intent

  • The core objective is to create a centralized database to track prescription drug inventories within the state. This is intended to improve transparency and provide information to policymakers, health care providers, and potentially other stakeholders about drug availability.

Key Provisions (as described in available information)

  • Directs the Department of Health to establish a prescription drug inventory database.
  • The exact scope, data elements, access rules, privacy protections, governance structure, funding, and implementation timeline are not detailed in the provided material. Specific provisions (e.g., who can access the data, what data fields are collected, reporting requirements, penalties for noncompliance, or sunset provisions) would be found in the bill’s full text.

Affected Parties

  • State Department of Health (responsible for creation and maintenance of the database)
  • Health care providers, including physicians and pharmacists (potential users)
  • Health insurers and pharmacy benefit managers (potential users or stakeholders)
  • Pharmaceutical manufacturers and distributors (data subjects or contributors)
  • Patients and the general public (indirect beneficiaries through improved transparency)

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Status: Introduced January 8, 2025; referred to Health on that date (listed twice in the record, but effectively indicates referral to the Health Committee).
  • Legislative process: As a referral to a standing committee, the bill would undergo committee review, possible amendments, and hearings before moving to the floor for a vote. Any enacted version would then require passage in the other chamber (if applicable) and signature by the relevant executive authority.

Sponsorship and Related Legislation

  • Primary sponsor: Phil Steck
  • Related bill: A 8039 (from a prior session), indicating continued interest in prescription drug inventory or related drug supply transparency policy.

Potential Impacts and Considerations

  • Could enhance public and policymaker visibility into drug supply and availability.
  • May inform policy decisions aimed at reducing shortages and improving access to medications.
  • Implementation would involve data governance considerations, privacy and security safeguards, cost to the DOH, and potential privacy concerns for patients and providers.
  • The effectiveness will depend on the final text, including what data is collected, who has access, and how the data is used and maintained.

Next Steps

  • Monitor committee actions and any amendments to the bill.
  • Review the full bill text for detailed provisions, timelines, funding, and oversight mechanisms.
  • Await potential fiscal notes, stakeholder hearings, and floor votes.

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

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