Senate Approves Drug Price Transparency Bill
The legislation would require drug manufacturers to provide 60 days' notice to purchasers if the cost is going to be increased by more than 10 percent. The state Senate also passed a law requiring physicians to inform patients if the doctors are on probation.
Los Angeles Times:
Drugmakers Would Give Advance Notice Of Price Hikes Under Plan Approved By State Senate
The state Senate on Wednesday took action to shine a light on skyrocketing prices for many prescription drugs, approving a bill that requires drug manufacturers to provide 60-days notice to purchasers if the cost is going to be increased by more than 10%. The bill by Sen. Ed Hernández (D-West Covina) said his bill would also require drugmakers to give notice when a new drug will cost $10,000 or more annually or during a course of treatment. (McGreevy, 6/1)
Capital Public Radio:
Senate, Assembly Vote On More Bills Before Deadline
The Senate also passed a law requiring physicians to inform patients they are on probation. Sen. Jerry Hill (D-San Mateo) introduced the bill citing numerous experiences of physicians who are on probation, practicing medicine unbeknownst to their patients. "Physicians are already required to notify and inform the hospitals they are affiliated with. They're also required to inform the medical malpractice insurers of their probation status. But their patients--the most important people in the health care continuum--have to seek out the information for themselves," says Hill. (Johnson, 6/1)
