Healthcare (Prescription Drugs)

died · Rhode Island · Senate May 21, 2026

SB 3260: AN ACT RELATING TO COMMERCIAL LAW -- GENERAL REGULATORY PROVISIONS -- DECEPTIVE TRADE PRACTICES

This bill prohibits pharmacy benefits managers from engaging in specific deceptive trade practices, such as hidden payment reductions, steering patients toward affiliated pharmacies, or using patient data to gain economic control over pharmacies. It directly affects pharmacy benefits managers, pharmacists, pharmacies, and healthcare enrollees by defining and banning actions like spread pricing, unfair inducements, and restrictive refill policies for maintenance medications. The legislation also forbids PBMs from exploiting prescription data for marketing or repackaging drugs to extract price markups without informing patients. Violations of these rules are classified as unfair competition, and each individual transaction involving a prohibited act is considered a separate offense.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill protects patient rights by banning deceptive practices and unfair inducements by pharmacy benefits managers, improving transparency and access.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Prescription Drugs

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died · Rhode Island · Senate May 21, 2026

SB 3257: AN ACT RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES -- THE RHODE ISLAND PRESCRIPTION DRUG PURCHASING POOL ACT

Establishes a state-run prescription drug purchasing pool, available for participation by nonstate public employers, private employers, and health insurance carriers, to maximize the value of drug discounts available to participants.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill establishes a purchasing pool to maximize drug discounts, improving patient access and reducing costs for healthcare participants.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance Prescription Drugs

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passed · Rhode Island · Senate May 28, 2026

SR 3332: SENATE RESOLUTION DECLARING MAY 28, 2026, AS "PHARMACY ADVOCACY DAY" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

This Senate resolution officially designates May 28, 2026, as "Pharmacy Advocacy Day" throughout Rhode Island. The measure recognizes the vital contributions of pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and student pharmacists to patient care and public health within the state. By declaring this specific date, the resolution encourages citizens and healthcare organizations to participate in events that highlight the role of pharmacy professionals in shaping healthcare policy. Additionally, the Secretary of State is instructed to send certified copies of the resolution to the Rhode Island Pharmacists Association and the Rhode Island Board of Pharmacy.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill designates a day to recognize pharmacy professionals' contributions to patient care and public health, promoting their role in healthcare policy.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Prescription Drugs Public Health

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signed · Rhode Island · House Jun 22, 2026

HB 8582: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- PHARMACY FREEDOM OF CHOICE--FAIR COMPETITION AND PRACTICES

This bill strengthens oversight of pharmacy benefits managers and pharmacy benefit management services in Rhode Island by requiring them to register with the Department of Business Regulation and file detailed public reports on their financial arrangements and corporate relationships. It mandates that these managers cannot stop pharmacists from telling patients about drug costs or alternative purchasing options, and it prohibits charging copayments that exceed the actual amount the pharmacy receives for dispensing a prescription. Additionally, the law requires a streamlined appeal process for pharmacies to resolve disputes over multi-source generic drug pricing within fifteen days. These changes aim to increase transparency and ensure fair competition in how prescription drug benefits are administered.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill strengthens oversight of pharmacy benefits managers and protects patient rights by allowing pharmacists to inform patients of drug costs and alternatives.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Prescription Drugs

died · Rhode Island · Senate May 21, 2026

SB 3258: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- PHARMACIES

Strengthens enforcement of the state's pharmacy audit law by clarifying and tightening audit procedures to ensure pharmacy audits are conducted fairly and transparently.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill strengthens enforcement and clarifies audit procedures to ensure fair and transparent pharmacy operations, protecting patient access and rights.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Prescription Drugs

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passed · Rhode Island · House May 28, 2026

HR 8598: HOUSE RESOLUTION DECLARING MAY 28, 2026, AS "PHARMACY ADVOCACY DAY" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

This bill designates May 28, 2026, as Pharmacy Advocacy Day in Rhode Island to honor the contributions of pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and student pharmacists to public health. The resolution encourages citizens, healthcare professionals, and organizations to participate in events that promote pharmacy advocacy and raise awareness about the vital role pharmacists play in medication management and patient care. Additionally, the bill directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the resolution to the Rhode Island Pharmacists Association and the Rhode Island Board of Pharmacy.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill honors pharmacists' contributions to public health and encourages advocacy for medication management and patient care.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Prescription Drugs Public Health

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signed · Rhode Island · House Jun 22, 2026

HB 8579: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- PHARMACY BENEFIT MANAGERS ACT

Requires pharmacy benefit managers to apply for certificate of authority from DBR to operate such a business in this state. Empowers the health insurance commissioner to oversee pharmacy benefit managers and penalize violations.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill regulates pharmacy benefit managers to protect consumers and ensure oversight, aligning with protecting patient rights and improving healthcare system integrity.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance Prescription Drugs

died · Rhode Island · House Apr 14, 2026

HB 8383: AN ACT RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES -- THE RHODE ISLAND PRESCRIPTION DRUG PURCHASING POOL ACT

Establishes a state-run prescription drug purchasing pool, available for participation by nonstate public employers, private employers, and health insurance carriers, to maximize the value of drug discounts available to participants.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill establishes a state-run purchasing pool to maximize drug discounts, improving patient access and reducing costs.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance Prescription Drugs

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died · Rhode Island · House Apr 14, 2026

HB 8382: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- PHARMACIES

Strengthens enforcement of the state's pharmacy audit law by clarifying and tightening audit procedures to ensure pharmacy audits are conducted fairly and transparently.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill strengthens enforcement of pharmacy audit laws to ensure fair and transparent audits, protecting patient rights and healthcare integrity.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Prescription Drugs

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passed · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 29, 2026

SB 2877: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- ACCIDENT AND SICKNESS INSURANCE POLICIES

Caps amount payable for 30 day supply of equipment/supplies for insulin administration/glucose monitoring at $25 or equipment designed to last more than 30 days with no deductible commencing January 1, 2027.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill caps insulin administration costs, improving patient access to essential diabetes supplies and reducing financial burden on patients.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Prescription Drugs

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