HB367 Alabama 2023 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Phillip RigsbyRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2023

Title

Relating to pharmacists; to amend Section 27-45A-7, Code of Alabama 1975; to authorize a pharmacist to decline to fill a prescription if the pharmacist will be reimbursed for the drug in an amount that is less than the pharmacist's acquisition cost; and to prohibit a pharmacist from being restricted from discussing matters relating to a pharmacy claim with a patient.

Summary

HB367 would let pharmacists decline to dispense a drug when reimbursement is below their acquisition cost and would allow discussion of pharmacy claims with patients.

What This Bill Does

HB367 would amend Section 27-45A-7 to allow a pharmacy or pharmacist to decline dispensing a drug if reimbursement is less than the pharmacist's acquisition cost. It would also authorize the pharmacist to discuss alternatives with the covered individual. The bill ensures pharmacists are not restricted from discussing matters related to a prescription claim with a patient, regardless of payment type, and allows them to disclose information such as cost and reimbursement.

Who It Affects

• Pharmacists and pharmacies: may decline to dispense a drug when reimbursement is below their acquisition cost and may discuss alternatives with the patient; they are not restricted from talking about the claim.
• Covered individuals/patients: may be offered alternative options or directed to another pharmacy and can receive information about costs, reimbursement, and other claim details.

Key Provisions

• Authorize pharmacists to decline to dispense a drug if reimbursement is less than the pharmacist’s acquisition cost.
• Permit pharmacists to discuss alternatives with the covered individual when reimbursement is below cost.
• Prohibit restrictions on a pharmacist’s communication with a patient about a prescription claim, allowing disclosure of cost, reimbursement, or alternative therapy as needed.
• Effective date: becomes law on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.