Public Health - Patient Access to Medication

HB 1051 creates Maryland’s "Meds-to-Beds Program," requiring all state hospitals to partner with licensed pharmacists who deliver discharge medications to patients *before* they leave the hospital, aiming to reduce readmissions. It also expands insurance coverage for telehealth to include automated drug dispensing systems and remote dispensing systems, allowing pharmacies to outsource prescription processing under specific conditions. The bill directly affects hospitals (mandated to participate), pharmacists (who deliver medications), and patients (who receive timely discharge drugs). Key changes include updating telehealth definitions in insurance law and establishing new regulations for medication access systems.