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MarylandHB 13102025 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Prescription Drug Repository Program - Revisions

Sponsored By: Harry Bhandari (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Public HealthCommittees and CommissionsDrugs -see also- Cannabis; ControlDangSubst; Pharm; etc.Federal GovernmentGiftsIndigent PersonsIndustry and TechnologyInterstate AffairsLegislation -see also- Correct Leg; Cur Leg; Emerg BillsLicenses -see also- AB Lic; Certifications; DrLic; PermitsLow-IncomeMedical AssistanceMedical Equipment and DevicesPatientsPharmacists and Pharmacies -see also- DrugsPublic Benefits -see also- FoodStmps; Housing; MedAsstStorageVolunteersWork, Labor, and Employment -see also- JobTrn; Leave; etc.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.

More donated medicines with possible fees

Beginning October 1, 2025, patients qualify by self-attesting that they are low-income, uninsured, underinsured, or enrolled in public health benefits. Maryland's drug donation program also covers over-the-counter medicines, with charges allowed up to $10 per item. Patients must live in Maryland to get donated items from a Maryland repository, a participating pharmacy. The law sets no Maryland residency requirement for patients using out-of-state repositories. Program packaging, inspection, storage, and handling rules also apply to donated over-the-counter medicines.

Patients can get more near-expiry medicines

Beginning October 1, 2025, the program can accept donated medicines with less than 90 days left before expiration. This exception covers prescription and over-the-counter drugs only when they are in high demand. A pharmacy cannot dispense these drugs if they will expire during the prescribed period.

Fewer barriers for interstate medicine donations

Beginning October 1, 2025, out-of-state donation sites and repositories can join with Maryland Board of Pharmacy approval. Transfers must follow applicable federal and state laws; out-of-state pharmacies serving Maryland residents must also follow Maryland nonresident-pharmacy rules. Maryland repositories can send items out of state only after determining that eligible Maryland patients do not need them. Out-of-state repositories mainly operating in donation programs cannot be required to keep a full or minimum inventory. People donating, transferring, receiving, or helping handle program items cannot be required to hold a wholesale distribution license for those activities.

Legal protection expands for donation workers

Beginning October 1, 2025, legal protections expressly cover pharmacy technicians and participating organizations' staff and volunteers. They are protected from criminal prosecution and civil liability when acting in good faith on covered program work. Covered work includes accepting, transferring, dispensing, disposing of, or helping handle donated medicines and medical supplies.

Patients lose mailed medicine delay notices

Beginning October 1, 2025, Maryland repositories no longer have to warn patients that mailed deliveries may be delayed. This change covers donated prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and medical supplies sent through the program.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Harry Bhandari

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 292 • No: 27

House vote • 4/7/2025

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 129 • No: 9 • Other: 2

Senate vote • 4/4/2025

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 33 • No: 12 • Other: 1

House vote • 3/17/2025

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 130 • No: 6 • Other: 3

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 705

    5/20/2025

  2. Passed Enrolled

    4/7/2025House

  3. Third Reading Passed (129-9)

    4/7/2025House

  4. House Concurs Senate Amendments

    4/7/2025House

  5. Third Reading Passed (33-12)

    4/4/2025Senate

  6. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    4/4/2025Senate

  7. Favorable with Amendments {543122/1 Adopted

    4/4/2025Senate

  8. Favorable with Amendments Report by Finance

    4/4/2025Senate

  9. Hearing 3/25 at 1:00 p.m.

    3/18/2025Senate

  10. Referred Finance

    3/17/2025Senate

  11. Third Reading Passed (130-6)

    3/17/2025House

  12. Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed

    3/15/2025House

  13. Favorable Report by Health and Government Operations

    3/15/2025House

  14. Hearing 3/06 at 2:00 p.m.

    3/3/2025House

  15. Hearing canceled

    3/3/2025House

  16. Hearing 3/06 at 1:00 p.m.

    2/28/2025House

  17. First Reading Health and Government Operations

    2/7/2025House

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    5/20/2025

    PDF

  • Enrolled

    4/7/2025

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/15/2025

    PDF

  • First Reading

    2/7/2025

    PDF

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