Bill Text: WV HCR24 | 2019 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Requesting study regarding a state-administered wholesale prescription drug importation program
Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Democrat 5-2)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2019-01-24 - To House Rules [HCR24 Detail]
Download: West_Virginia-2019-HCR24-Introduced.html
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 24
(By Bates, Fleischauer, Wilson, Kump, S. Brown, Pushkin)
[Introduced January 21, 2019; Originating in the Committee on the Judiciary, then to Rules]
Requesting the West Virginia Legislative Oversight Commission on Health and Human Resources to research, study and make recommendations regarding a state-administered wholesale prescription drug importation program.
Whereas, the citizens and State of West Virginia are burdened by rapidly rising health care costs; and
Whereas, the cost of prescription drugs is recognized as a measurable portion of those rapidly rising healthcare costs; and
Whereas, pharmaceutical products from Canada cost measurably less, and
Whereas, in most circumstances it is illegal to import drugs into the United States for personal use without the authorization of the federal government, and
Whereas, in this context, some states are considering, as a means to ameliorate the cost of prescription drugs, the establishment of importation programs where a licensed wholesaler imports drugs from Canada for distribution and dispensation to state residents, and
Whereas, for one, Vermont has passed legislation for the wholesale importation of prescription drugs from Canada, and
Whereas it appears that there are many issues related to acquiring pharmaceutical products from Canada which involve legal and economic variables which are yet unknown, and
Whereas the suitability of a program for the importation of prescription drugs from Canada for the health, welfare and economic benefit of the citizens of West Virginia should be properly determined through investigation of all relevant issues and factors, some known and some which may yet to be determined, including but not limited to, identifying which state agency which will be best suited to administer the design and implementation of such a program, which criteria will best insure federal certification and approval to import safe prescription drugs at low cost for West Virginia’s consumers, efficient cooperation and coordination with public and private health insurers, compliance with relevant federal law, financial and economic considerations, the quality of imported pharmaceuticals, monitoring, implementation, licensing, marketing, and other issues; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Legislature hereby requests the West Virginia Legislative Oversight Commission on Health and Human Resources to research and make recommendations regarding a state-administered wholesale prescription drug importation program; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Legislative Oversight Commission on Health and Human Resources report to the Joint Committee on Govt and Finance, by December 31, 2019, on its findings, conclusions, and recommendations, together with drafts of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this study, to prepare a report, and to draft necessary legislation, be paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.
