Drugs, Prescription - As introduced, requires the department of finance and administration, in collaboration with the department of health and the bureau of TennCare, to apply for federal approval to import prescription drugs from Canada. - Amends TCA Title 8; Title 33; Title 53; Title 56; Title 63; Title 68 and Title 71.
SB 1256 requires Tennessee's Department of Finance and Administration, working with the Department of Health and TennCare, to apply for federal approval by January 1, 2026, to import prescription drugs from Canada. The bill mandates that the application must prove imported drugs meet federal/state safety standards, comply with supply chain laws, list cost-saving drugs, and estimate annual savings versus importation costs. If approved, the state would implement a program focused on the most cost-effective drugs for TennCare (state Medicaid) and residents. This bill does not directly change drug prices or guarantee savings but sets a process for potential future cost reductions through federal approval. It affects state Medicaid programs and residents relying on prescription medications.
Bill status
in committee
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Feb 10, 2025
Last action Mar 11, 2025
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
7
Key actions
3
Committee
5
Mar 11, 2025
Committee
Assigned to General Subcommittee of Senate Commerce and Labor Committee
lower
Mar 5, 2025
Lower · Passed
Placed on Senate Commerce and Labor Committee calendar for 3/11/2025
lower
Mar 4, 2025
Lower · Passed
Action deferred in Senate Commerce and Labor Committee to 3/11/2025
lower
Feb 25, 2025
Lower · Passed
Placed on Senate Commerce and Labor Committee calendar for 3/4/2025
lower
Feb 12, 2025
Committee
Passed on Second Consideration, refer to Senate Commerce and Labor Committee
upper
Feb 10, 2025
Introduced
Introduced, Passed on First Consideration
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
London Lamar
DDemocratic
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