H.R. 6255 · 111th Congress

To require mail-order pharmacies to notify customers when generic drugs become available and to prevent mail-order pharmacies from substituting drugs without the express authorization of the prescriber.

Stage
In committee
Introduced
2010-09-29
Latest action
2010-09-29 · Introduced in House

Summary

Requires a mail-order pharmacy to inform a customer to whom it dispenses a prescription brand name drug when a generic drug that is the pharmaceutical equivalent becomes available.

Permits a mail-order pharmacy to substitute a generic drug for a brand name drug or a brand name drug for a generic drug if the mail order pharmacy: (1) notifies the customer that the pharmacy will request that the prescriber provide an authorization to make such a substitution; and (2) after providing such notification, obtains the express written authorization of the prescriber of the drug to make such a substitution. Requires the prescriber to provide notice to the customer of an authorization.

Permits the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to assess civil penalties against a mail-order pharmacy for violations of this Act.

Declares that this Act preempts state laws to the extent any are inconsistent with this Act.