IPA's Pharmacy Practice Act legislation has been introduced in both chambers as HSB 202 and SSB 1165. The House version will have a subcommittee hearing on Monday. The bill removes restrictions imposed under law, so pharmacists may practice using their full training and education. The bill establishes a framework to allow for future changes in practice and technology. If passed by a majority of the subcommittee on Monday, HSB 202 will have two opportunities for Health and Human Services Committee consideration prior to the first funnel deadline.  

On Thursday, a 340B nondiscrimination bill unanimously passed through committee. The bill prohibits a health plan or PBM from discriminating against a covered entity or contract pharmacy by paying a smaller dispensing fee less than other entities and prohibits the imposition of certain contract requirements on such covered entities, contract pharmacies and pharmacies that participate in the 340B program. IPA provided testimony in support of the legislation and has collaborated with relevant stakeholders to advance the bill.  

Senator Mike Klimesh [R-Spillville] introduced a PBM bill that consists of provisions removed from IPA's PBM bill from last year. This year's bill includes any willing provider and anti-steering protections, requires a co-pay by a patient be used to cover the deductible, and requires PBMs to establish an appeals process for maximum allowed costs. The bill also requires a PBM to give pharmacies access to the maximum allowable cost list on a secure internet site, which IPA advocated for inclusion in rulemaking.   

The Governor's Health Package, which permits pharmacists to dispense self-administered hormonal contraceptives, moved through committee in the House. The Senate also moved forward its health care plan, which largely mirrors the Governor's except it does not include contraceptive coverage.

Review legislation IPA is monitoring throughout the session with our Bill Tracker.