HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 46
(By Delegates Douglas, Manuel, Hunt and Compton)
(March 8, 1995)
Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to study
drug pricing practices in the State of West Virginia and the
effect of such practices on independent and retail
pharmacists and on the elderly, uninsured and working poor;
and the impact of drug equalization legislation on
consumers, pharmacies, health care providers and the
insurance market.
Whereas, Many West Virginia residents are consumers of
pharmaceutical drugs prescribed by health care providers and
purchased in this State from various sources, including
independent pharmacies, retailers, wholesalers and mail-order
companies; and
Whereas, The Legislature is concerned that the pricing of
pharmaceutical drugs sold and marketed to various entities is not
being done on an equal basis, resulting in cost-shifting of the
price of such drugs which is ultimately borne by the consumers;
and
Whereas, The Legislature is concerned that independent
pharmacies may ultimately suffer from inequalities in drug
pricing to the extent that such pharmacies may not be able to
continue in business; and
Whereas, The cost of pharmaceutical drugs directly affects
the cost of health care and insurance in this State; and
Whereas, Legislation proposing mandated equalization of drug
prices has been presented to the Legislature in this State and in
other states; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby
requested to review, examine and study pharmaceutical drug
pricing practices in this State and the specific criteria used as
a basis for establishing such prices; to study the impact of
discount practices in this State upon independent pharmacies,
retail pharmacies and consumers; to determine the need for
legislation requiring equalization of drug prices and the impact
of such legislation on independent pharmacies, retailers, the
elderly, the uninsured, the working poor, health care providers,
insurers, Medicaid and the Public Employees Insurance Agency; to
determine the impact of equalization of drug prices upon
manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers and any other entity
affected by the manufacture, marketing or distribution of such
drugs; and to make recommendations to the Legislature regarding
the same; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and
Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 1996,
on its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with
drafts of any legislation necessary to effectuate its
recommendations; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct
this study, to prepare a report and to draft necessary
legislation be paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint
Committee on Government and Finance.