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S 5352

Requires notification by a prescriber or pharmacist of the substitution of one generic drug product for another generic drug product

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Leroy Comrie

Requires notice to patients when substituting one interchangeable generic for another, placing responsibility on prescribers or pharmacists to inform.

REFERRED TO HIGHER EDUCATION
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Bill Summary · S 5352

Summary: Bill S 5352 – Notification of Generic Drug Substitution

Overview

  • Bill number: S 5352
  • Title: Requires notification by a prescriber or pharmacist of the substitution of one generic drug product for another generic drug product
  • Sponsor: Leroy Comrie (primary)
  • Status: Referred to Higher Education
  • Introduced: February 20, 2025
  • Related bills: S 8633 (prior-session)

Purpose and Intent

The bill aims to increase transparency around generic drug substitutions. Specifically, it would require that, when a prescription is fulfilled with a substitution from one generic drug product to another generic drug product, notification must be provided by the prescriber or the pharmacist. The available information indicates the goal is to inform patients about changes among interchangeable generic products, promoting awareness and informed decision-making.

Key Provisions (as indicated by the title)

  • A substitution between generic drug products (i.e., from one generic to another interchangeable generic) triggers an obligation to notify.
  • The notification obligation is placed on either the prescriber or the pharmacist when dispensing the substituted product.
  • Details on how notification must occur (method, timing, content), who exactly must be notified (patient, patient’s record, or both), exemptions, and enforcement are not specified in the provided summary and would be found in the bill text.

Who/What is Affected

  • Prescribers: Potential requirement to participate in or facilitate notification when a substitution occurs.
  • Pharmacists/Pharmacy personnel: Potential obligation to notify patients about substitutions between generic products.
  • Patients and recipients of care: Recipients would receive information about the substitution, supporting informed use of medications.
  • Pharmacy practice and workflow: May require changes to dispensing procedures and patient communication.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • The bill has been introduced and referred to the Higher Education Committee. This indicates a preliminary step in the legislative process, with potential future committee consideration, amendments, and votes.
  • The listing shows the same action repeated (two entries for 2025-02-20), which likely reflects parallel tracking in related subcommittees or formal documentation rather than substantive differences.
  • Next steps would typically include committee hearings, potential amendments, and floor consideration in the Senate, followed by movement through the legislative process if advanced.

Additional Context

  • The bill references a related measure from a prior session, S 8633, suggesting ongoing legislative interest in addressing generic substitution transparency.
  • Specifics such as definitions (what constitutes a “generic drug product” or “substitution”), implementation timeline, exemptions, penalties, and enforcement mechanisms are not provided here and would require review of the bill text.

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

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