2001 US Code
Title 42 - THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE
CHAPTER 7 - SOCIAL SECURITY
SUBCHAPTER XIX - GRANTS TO STATES FOR MEDICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
Sec. 1396r-8 - Payment for covered outpatient drugs

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§1396r–8. Payment for covered outpatient drugs (a) Requirement for rebate agreement (1) In general

In order for payment to be available under section 1396b(a) of this title for covered outpatient drugs of a manufacturer, the manufacturer must have entered into and have in effect a rebate agreement described in subsection (b) of this section with the Secretary, on behalf of States (except that, the Secretary may authorize a State to enter directly into agreements with a manufacturer), and must meet the requirements of paragraph (5) (with respect to drugs purchased by a covered entity on or after the first day of the first month that begins after November 4, 1992) and paragraph (6). Any agreement between a State and a manufacturer prior to April 1, 1991, shall be deemed to have been entered into on January 1, 1991, and payment to such manufacturer shall be retroactively calculated as if the agreement between the manufacturer and the State had been entered into on January 1, 1991. If a manufacturer has not entered into such an agreement before March 1, 1991, such an agreement, subsequently entered into, shall become effective as of the date on which the agreement is entered into or, at State option, on any date thereafter on or before the first day of the calendar quarter that begins more than 60 days after the date the agreement is entered into.

(2) Effective date

Paragraph (1) shall first apply to drugs dispensed under this subchapter on or after January 1, 1991.

(3) Authorizing payment for drugs not covered under rebate agreements

Paragraph (1), and section 1396b(i)(10)(A) of this title, shall not apply to the dispensing of a single source drug or innovator multiple source drug if (A)(i) the State has made a determination that the availability of the drug is essential to the health of beneficiaries under the State plan for medical assistance; (ii) such drug has been given a rating of 1–A by the Food and Drug Administration; and (iii)(I) the physician has obtained approval for use of the drug in advance of its dispensing in accordance with a prior authorization program described in subsection (d) of this section, or (II) the Secretary has reviewed and approved the State's determination under subparagraph (A); or (B) the Secretary determines that in the first calendar quarter of 1991, there were extenuating circumstances.

(4) Effect on existing agreements

In the case of a rebate agreement in effect between a State and a manufacturer on November 5, 1990, such agreement, for the initial agreement period specified therein, shall be considered to be a rebate agreement in compliance with this section with respect to that State, if the State agrees to report to the Secretary any rebates paid pursuant to the agreement and such agreement provides for a minimum aggregate rebate of 10 percent of the State's total expenditures under the State plan for coverage of the manufacturer's drugs under this subchapter. If, after the initial agreement period, the State establishes to the satisfaction of the Secretary that an agreement in effect on November 5, 1990, provides for rebates that are at least as large as the rebates otherwise required under this section, and the State agrees to report any rebates under the agreement to the Secretary, the agreement shall be considered to be a rebate agreement in compliance with the section for the renewal periods of such agreement.

(5) Limitation on prices of drugs purchased by covered entities (A) Agreement with Secretary

A manufacturer meets the requirements of this paragraph if the manufacturer has entered into an agreement with the Secretary that meets the requirements of section 256b of this title with respect to covered outpatient drugs purchased by a covered entity on or after the first day of the first month that begins after November 4, 1992.

(B) “Covered entity” defined

In this subsection, the term “covered entity” means an entity described in section 256b(a)(4) of this title.

(C) Establishment of alternative mechanism to ensure against duplicate discounts or rebates

If the Secretary does not establish a mechanism under section 256b(a)(5)(A) of this title within 12 months of November 4, 1992, the following requirements shall apply:

(i) Entities

Each covered entity shall inform the single State agency under section 1396a(a)(5) of this title when it is seeking reimbursement from the State plan for medical assistance described in section 1396d(a)(12) of this title with respect to a unit of any covered outpatient drug which is subject to an agreement under section 256b(a) of this title.

(ii) State agency

Each such single State agency shall provide a means by which a covered entity shall indicate on any drug reimbursement claims form (or format, where electronic claims management is used) that a unit of the drug that is the subject of the form is subject to an agreement under section 256b of this title, and not submit to any manufacturer a claim for a rebate payment under subsection (b) of this section with respect to such a drug.

(D) Effect of subsequent amendments

In determining whether an agreement under subparagraph (A) meets the requirements of section 256b of this title, the Secretary shall not take into account any amendments to such section that are enacted after November 4, 1992.

(E) Determination of compliance

A manufacturer is deemed to meet the requirements of this paragraph if the manufacturer establishes to the satisfaction of the Secretary that the manufacturer would comply (and has offered to comply) with the provisions of section 256b of this title (as in effect immediately after November 4, 1992) and would have entered into an agreement under such section (as such section was in effect at such time), but for a legislative change in such section after November 4, 1992.

(6) Requirements relating to master agreements for drugs procured by Department of Veterans Affairs and certain other Federal agencies (A) In general

A manufacturer meets the requirements of this paragraph if the manufacturer complies with the provisions of section 8126 of title 38, including the requirement of entering into a master agreement with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs under such section.

(B) Effect of subsequent amendments

In determining whether a master agreement described in subparagraph (A) meets the requirements of section 8126 of title 38, the Secretary shall not take into account any amendments to such section that are enacted after November 4, 1992.

(C) Determination of compliance

A manufacturer is deemed to meet the requirements of this paragraph if the manufacturer establishes to the satisfaction of the Secretary that the manufacturer would comply (and has offered to comply) with the provisions of section 8126 of title 38, (as in effect immediately after November 4, 1992) and would have entered into an agreement under such section (as such section was in effect at such time), but for a legislative change in such section after November 4, 1992.

(b) Terms of rebate agreement (1) Periodic rebates (A) In general

A rebate agreement under this subsection shall require the manufacturer to provide, to each State plan approved under this subchapter, a rebate for a rebate period in an amount specified in subsection (c) of this section for covered outpatient drugs of the manufacturer dispensed after December 31, 1990, for which payment was made under the State plan for such period. Such rebate shall be paid by the manufacturer not later than 30 days after the date of receipt of the information described in paragraph (2) for the period involved.

(B) Offset against medical assistance

Amounts received by a State under this section (or under an agreement authorized by the Secretary under subsection (a)(1) of this section or an agreement described in subsection (a)(4) of this section) in any quarter shall be considered to be a reduction in the amount expended under the State plan in the quarter for medical assistance for purposes of section 1396b(a)(1) of this title.

(2) State provision of information (A) State responsibility

Each State agency under this subchapter shall report to each manufacturer not later than 60 days after the end of each rebate period and in a form consistent with a standard reporting format established by the Secretary, information on the total number of units of each dosage form and strength and package size of each covered outpatient drug dispensed after December 31, 1990, for which payment was made under the plan during the period, and shall promptly transmit a copy of such report to the Secretary.

(B) Audits

A manufacturer may audit the information provided (or required to be provided) under subparagraph (A). Adjustments to rebates shall be made to the extent that information indicates that utilization was greater or less than the amount previously specified.

(3) Manufacturer provision of price information (A) In general

Each manufacturer with an agreement in effect under this section shall report to the Secretary—

(i) not later than 30 days after the last day of each rebate period under the agreement (beginning on or after January 1, 1991), on the average manufacturer price (as defined in subsection (k)(1) of this section) and, (for single source drugs and innovator multiple source drugs), the manufacturer's best price (as defined in subsection (c)(2)(B) of this section) for covered outpatient drugs for the rebate period under the agreement, and

(ii) not later than 30 days after the date of entering into an agreement under this section on the average manufacturer price (as defined in subsection (k)(1) of this section) as of October 1, 1990 1 for each of the manufacturer's covered outpatient drugs.

(B) Verification surveys of average manufacturer price

The Secretary may survey wholesalers and manufacturers that directly distribute their covered outpatient drugs, when necessary, to verify manufacturer prices reported under subparagraph (A). The Secretary may impose a civil monetary penalty in an amount not to exceed 0,000 on a wholesaler, manufacturer, or direct seller, if the wholesaler, manufacturer, or direct seller of a covered outpatient drug refuses a request for information about charges or prices by the Secretary in connection with a survey under this subparagraph or knowingly provides false information. The provisions of section 1320a–7a of this title (other than subsections (a) (with respect to amounts of penalties or additional assessments) and (b)) shall apply to a civil money penalty under this subparagraph in the same manner as such provisions apply to a penalty or proceeding under section 1320a–7a(a) of this title.

(C) Penalties (i) Failure to provide timely information

In the case of a manufacturer with an agreement under this section that fails to provide information required under subparagraph (A) on a timely basis, the amount of the penalty shall be increased by ,000 for each day in which such information has not been provided and such amount shall be paid to the Treasury, and, if such information is not reported within 90 days of the deadline imposed, the agreement shall be suspended for services furnished after the end of such 90-day period and until the date such information is reported (but in no case shall such suspension be for a period of less than 30 days).

(ii) False information

Any manufacturer with an agreement under this section that knowingly provides false information is subject to a civil money penalty in an amount not to exceed 0,000 for each item of false information. Such civil money penalties are in addition to other penalties as may be prescribed by law. The provisions of section 1320a–7a of this title (other than subsections (a) and (b)) shall apply to a civil money penalty under this subparagraph in the same manner as such provisions apply to a penalty or proceeding under section 1320a–7a(a) of this title.

(D) Confidentiality of information

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, information disclosed by manufacturers or wholesalers under this paragraph or under an agreement with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs described in subsection (a)(6)(A)(ii) of this section is confidential and shall not be disclosed by the Secretary or the Secretary of Veterans Affairs or a State agency (or contractor therewith) in a form which discloses the identity of a specific manufacturer or wholesaler, prices charged for drugs by such manufacturer or wholesaler, except—

(i) as the Secretary determines to be necessary to carry out this section,

(ii) to permit the Comptroller General to review the information provided, and

(iii) to permit the Director of the Congressional Budget Office to review the information provided.

(4) Length of agreement (A) In general

A rebate agreement shall be effective for an initial period of not less than 1 year and shall be automatically renewed for a period of not less than one year unless terminated under subparagraph (B).

(B) Termination (i) By the Secretary

The Secretary may provide for termination of a rebate agreement for violation of the requirements of the agreement or other good cause shown. Such termination shall not be effective earlier than 60 days after the date of notice of such termination. The Secretary shall provide, upon request, a manufacturer with a hearing concerning such a termination, but such hearing shall not delay the effective date of the termination.

(ii) By a manufacturer

A manufacturer may terminate a rebate agreement under this section for any reason. Any such termination shall not be effective until the calendar quarter beginning at least 60 days after the date the manufacturer provides notice to the Secretary.

(iii) Effectiveness of termination

Any termination under this subparagraph shall not affect rebates due under the agreement before the effective date of its termination.

(iv) Notice to States

In the case of a termination under this subparagraph, the Secretary shall provide notice of such termination to the States within not less than 30 days before the effective date of such termination.

(v) Application to terminations of other agreements

The provisions of this subparagraph shall apply to the terminations of agreements described in section 256b(a)(1) of this title and master agreements described in section 8126(a) of title 38.

(C) Delay before reentry

In the case of any rebate agreement with a manufacturer under this section which is terminated, another such agreement with the manufacturer (or a successor manufacturer) may not be entered into until a period of 1 calendar quarter has elapsed since the date of the termination, unless the Secretary finds good cause for an earlier reinstatement of such an agreement.

(c) Determination of amount of rebate (1) Basic rebate for single source drugs and innovator multiple source drugs (A) In general

Except as provided in paragraph (2), the amount of the rebate specified in this subsection for a rebate period (as defined in subsection (k)(8) of this section) with respect to each dosage form and strength of a single source drug or an innovator multiple source drug shall be equal to the product of—

(i) the total number of units of each dosage form and strength paid for under the State plan in the rebate period (as reported by the State); and

(ii) subject to subparagraph (B)(ii), the greater of—

(I) the difference between the average manufacturer price and the best price (as defined in subparagraph (C)) for the dosage form and strength of the drug, or

(II) the minimum rebate percentage (specified in subparagraph (B)(i)) of such average manufacturer price,

for the rebate period.

(B) Range of rebates required (i) Minimum rebate percentage

For purposes of subparagraph (A)(ii)(II), the “minimum rebate percentage” for rebate periods beginning—

(I) after December 31, 1990, and before October 1, 1992, is 12.5 percent;

(II) after September 30, 1992, and before January 1, 1994, is 15.7 percent;

(III) after December 31, 1993, and before January 1, 1995, is 15.4 percent;

(IV) after December 31, 1994, and before January 1, 1996, is 15.2 percent; and

(V) after December 31, 1995, is 15.1 percent.

(ii) Temporary limitation on maximum rebate amount

In no case shall the amount applied under subparagraph (A)(ii) for a rebate period beginning—

(I) before January 1, 1992, exceed 25 percent of the average manufacturer price; or

(II) after December 31, 1991, and before January 1, 1993, exceed 50 percent of the average manufacturer price.

(C) “Best price” defined

For purposes of this section—

(i) In general

The term “best price” means, with respect to a single source drug or innovator multiple source drug of a manufacturer, the lowest price available from the manufacturer during the rebate period to any wholesaler, retailer, provider, health maintenance organization, nonprofit entity, or governmental entity within the United States, excluding—

(I) any prices charged on or after October 1, 1992, to the Indian Health Service, the Department of Veterans Affairs, a State home receiving funds under section 1741 of title 38, the Department of Defense, the Public Health Service, or a covered entity described in subsection (a)(5)(B) of this section;

(II) any prices charged under the Federal Supply Schedule of the General Services Administration;

(III) any prices used under a State pharmaceutical assistance program; and

(IV) any depot prices and single award contract prices, as defined by the Secretary, of any agency of the Federal Government.

(ii) Special rules

The term “best price”—

(I) shall be inclusive of cash discounts, free goods that are contingent on any purchase requirement, volume discounts, and rebates (other than rebates under this section);

(II) shall be determined without regard to special packaging, labeling, or identifiers on the dosage form or product or package; and

(III) shall not take into account prices that are merely nominal in amount.

(2) Additional rebate for single source and innovator multiple source drugs (A) In general

The amount of the rebate specified in this subsection for a rebate period, with respect to each dosage form and strength of a single source drug or an innovator multiple source drug, shall be increased by an amount equal to the product of—

(i) the total number of units of such dosage form and strength dispensed after December 31, 1990, for which payment was made under the State plan for the rebate period; and

(ii) the amount (if any) by which—

(I) the average manufacturer price for the dosage form and strength of the drug for the period, exceeds

(II) the average manufacturer price for such dosage form and strength for the calendar quarter beginning July 1, 1990 (without regard to whether or not the drug has been sold or transferred to an entity, including a division or subsidiary of the manufacturer, after the first day of such quarter), increased by the percentage by which the consumer price index for all urban consumers (United States city average) for the month before the month in which the rebate period begins exceeds such index for September 1990.

(B) Treatment of subsequently approved drugs

In the case of a covered outpatient drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration after October 1, 1990, clause (ii)(II) of subparagraph (A) shall be applied by substituting “the first full calendar quarter after the day on which the drug was first marketed” for “the calendar quarter beginning July 1, 1990” and “the month prior to the first month of the first full calendar quarter after the day on which the drug was first marketed” for “September 1990”.

(3) Rebate for other drugs (A) In general

The amount of the rebate paid to a State for a rebate period with respect to each dosage form and strength of covered outpatient drugs (other than single source drugs and innovator multiple source drugs) shall be equal to the product of—

(i) the applicable percentage (as described in subparagraph (B)) of the average manufacturer price for the dosage form and strength for the rebate period, and

(ii) the total number of units of such dosage form and strength dispensed after December 31, 1990, for which payment was made under the State plan for the rebate period.

(B) “Applicable percentage” defined

For purposes of subparagraph (A)(i), the “applicable percentage” for rebate periods beginning—

(i) before January 1, 1994, is 10 percent, and

(ii) after December 31, 1993, is 11 percent.

(d) Limitations on coverage of drugs (1) Permissible restrictions

(A) A State may subject to prior authorization any covered outpatient drug. Any such prior authorization program shall comply with the requirements of paragraph (5).

(B) A State may exclude or otherwise restrict coverage of a covered outpatient drug if—

(i) the prescribed use is not for a medically accepted indication (as defined in subsection (k)(6) of this section);

(ii) the drug is contained in the list referred to in paragraph (2);

(iii) the drug is subject to such restrictions pursuant to an agreement between a manufacturer and a State authorized by the Secretary under subsection (a)(1) of this section or in effect pursuant to subsection (a)(4) of this section; or

(iv) the State has excluded coverage of the drug from its formulary established in accordance with paragraph (4).

(2) List of drugs subject to restriction

The following drugs or classes of drugs, or their medical uses, may be excluded from coverage or otherwise restricted:

(A) Agents when used for anorexia, weight loss, or weight gain.

(B) Agents when used to promote fertility.

(C) Agents when used for cosmetic purposes or hair growth.

(D) Agents when used for the symptomatic relief of cough and colds.

(E) Agents when used to promote smoking cessation.

(F) Prescription vitamins and mineral products, except prenatal vitamins and fluoride preparations.

(G) Nonprescription drugs.

(H) Covered outpatient drugs which the manufacturer seeks to require as a condition of sale that associated tests or monitoring services be purchased exclusively from the manufacturer or its designee.

(I) Barbiturates.

(J) Benzodiazepines.

(3) Update of drug listings

The Secretary shall, by regulation, periodically update the list of drugs or classes of drugs described in paragraph (2) or their medical uses, which the Secretary has determined, based on data collected by surveillance and utilization review programs of State medical assistance programs, to be subject to clinical abuse or inappropriate use.

(4) Requirements for formularies

A State may establish a formulary if the formulary meets the following requirements:

(A) The formulary is developed by a committee consisting of physicians, pharmacists, and other appropriate individuals appointed by the Governor of the State (or, at the option of the State, the State's drug use review board established under subsection (g)(3) of this section).

(B) Except as provided in subparagraph (C), the formulary includes the covered outpatient drugs of any manufacturer which has entered into and complies with an agreement under subsection (a) of this section (other than any drug excluded from coverage or otherwise restricted under paragraph (2)).

(C) A covered outpatient drug may be excluded with respect to the treatment of a specific disease or condition for an identified population (if any) only if, based on the drug's labeling (or, in the case of a drug the prescribed use of which is not approved under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act [21 U.S.C. 301 et seq.] but is a medically accepted indication, based on information from the appropriate compendia described in subsection (k)(6) of this section), the excluded drug does not have a significant, clinically meaningful therapeutic advantage in terms of safety, effectiveness, or clinical outcome of such treatment for such population over other drugs included in the formulary and there is a written explanation (available to the public) of the basis for the exclusion.

(D) The State plan permits coverage of a drug excluded from the formulary (other than any drug excluded from coverage or otherwise restricted under paragraph (2)) pursuant to a prior authorization program that is consistent with paragraph (5).

(E) The formulary meets such other requirements as the Secretary may impose in order to achieve program savings consistent with protecting the health of program beneficiaries.

A prior authorization program established by a State under paragraph (5) is not a formulary subject to the requirements of this paragraph.

(5) Requirements of prior authorization programs

A State plan under this subchapter may require, as a condition of coverage or payment for a covered outpatient drug for which Federal financial participation is available in accordance with this section, with respect to drugs dispensed on or after July 1, 1991, the approval of the drug before its dispensing for any medically accepted indication (as defined in subsection (k)(6) of this section) only if the system providing for such approval—

(A) provides response by telephone or other telecommunication device within 24 hours of a request for prior authorization; and

(B) except with respect to the drugs on the list referred to in paragraph (2), provides for the dispensing of at least 72-hour supply of a covered outpatient prescription drug in an emergency situation (as defined by the Secretary).

(6) Other permissible restrictions

A State may impose limitations, with respect to all such drugs in a therapeutic class, on the minimum or maximum quantities per prescription or on the number of refills, if such limitations are necessary to discourage waste, and may address instances of fraud or abuse by individuals in any manner authorized under this chapter.

(e) Treatment of pharmacy reimbursement limits (1) In general

During the period beginning on January 1, 1991, and ending on December 31, 1994—

(A) a State may not reduce the payment limits established by regulation under this subchapter or any limitation described in paragraph (3) with respect to the ingredient cost of a covered outpatient drug or the dispensing fee for such a drug below the limits in effect as of January 1, 1991, and

(B) except as provided in paragraph (2), the Secretary may not modify by regulation the formula established under sections 447.331 through 447.334 of title 42, Code of Federal Regulations, in effect on November 5, 1990, to reduce the limits described in subparagraph (A).

(2) Special rule

If a State is not in compliance with the regulations described in paragraph (1)(B), paragraph (1)(A) shall not apply to such State until such State is in compliance with such regulations.

(3) Effect on State maximum allowable cost limitations

This section shall not supersede or affect provisions in effect prior to January 1, 1991, or after December 31, 1994, relating to any maximum allowable cost limitation established by a State for payment by the State for covered outpatient drugs, and rebates shall be made under this section without regard to whether or not payment by the State for such drugs is subject to such a limitation or the amount of such a limitation.

[(4)] 2 Establishment of upper payment limits

HCFA shall establish a Federal upper reimbursement limit for each multiple source drug for which the FDA has rated three or more products therapeutically and pharmaceutically equivalent, regardless of whether all such additional formulations are rated as such and shall use only such formulations when determining any such upper limit.

(f) Repealed and redesignated (1) Repealed. Pub. L. 103–66, title XIII, §13602(a)(1), Aug. 10, 1993, 107 Stat. 613 (2) Redesignated (e)[(4)] (g) Drug use review (1) In general

(A) In order to meet the requirement of section 1396b(i)(10)(B) of this title, a State shall provide, by not later than January 1, 1993, for a drug use review program described in paragraph (2) for covered outpatient drugs in order to assure that prescriptions (i) are appropriate, (ii) are medically necessary, and (iii) are not likely to result in adverse medical results. The program shall be designed to educate physicians and pharmacists to identify and reduce the frequency of patterns of fraud, abuse, gross overuse, or inappropriate or medically unnecessary care, among physicians, pharmacists, and patients, or associated with specific drugs or groups of drugs, as well as potential and actual severe adverse reactions to drugs including education on therapeutic appropriateness, overutilization and underutilization, appropriate use of generic products, therapeutic duplication, drug-disease contraindications, drug-drug interactions, incorrect drug dosage or duration of drug treatment, drug-allergy interactions, and clinical abuse/misuse.

(B) The program shall assess data on drug use against predetermined standards, consistent with the following:

(i) compendia which shall consist of the following:

(I) American Hospital Formulary Service Drug Information;

(II) United States Pharmacopeia-Drug Information;

(III) the DRUGDEX Information System; and

(IV) American Medical Association Drug Evaluations; and

(ii) the peer-reviewed medical literature.

(C) The Secretary, under the procedures established in section 1396b of this title, shall pay to each State an amount equal to 75 per centum of so much of the sums expended by the State plan during calendar years 1991 through 1993 as the Secretary determines is attributable to the statewide adoption of a drug use review program which conforms to the requirements of this subsection.

(D) States shall not be required to perform additional drug use reviews with respect to drugs dispensed to residents of nursing facilities which are in compliance with the drug regimen review procedures prescribed by the Secretary for such facilities in regulations implementing section 1396r of this title, currently at section 483.60 of title 42, Code of Federal Regulations.

(2) Description of program

Each drug use review program shall meet the following requirements for covered outpatient drugs:

(A) Prospective drug review

(i) The State plan shall provide for a review of drug therapy before each prescription is filled or delivered to an individual receiving benefits under this subchapter, typically at the point-of-sale or point of distribution. The review shall include screening for potential drug therapy problems due to therapeutic duplication, drug-disease contraindications, drug-drug interactions (including serious interactions with nonprescription or over-the-counter drugs), incorrect drug dosage or duration of drug treatment, drug-allergy interactions, and clinical abuse/misuse. Each State shall use the compendia and literature referred to in paragraph (1)(B) as its source of standards for such review.

(ii) As part of the State's prospective drug use review program under this subparagraph applicable State law shall establish standards for counseling of individuals receiving benefits under this subchapter by pharmacists which includes at least the following:

(I) The pharmacist must offer to discuss with each individual receiving benefits under this subchapter or caregiver of such individual (in person, whenever practicable, or through access to a telephone service which is toll-free for long-distance calls) who presents a prescription, matters which in the exercise of the pharmacist's professional judgment (consistent with State law respecting the provision of such information), the pharmacist deems significant including the following:

(aa) The name and description of the medication.

(bb) The route, dosage form, dosage, route of administration, and duration of drug therapy.

(cc) Special directions and precautions for preparation, administration and use by the patient.

(dd) Common severe side or adverse effects or interactions and therapeutic contraindications that may be encountered, including their avoidance, and the action required if they occur.

(ee) Techniques for self-monitoring drug therapy.

(ff) Proper storage.

(gg) Prescription refill information.

(hh) Action to be taken in the event of a missed dose.

(II) A reasonable effort must be made by the pharmacist to obtain, record, and maintain at least the following information regarding individuals receiving benefits under this subchapter:

(aa) Name, address, telephone number, date of birth (or age) and gender.

(bb) Individual history where significant, including disease state or states, known allergies and drug reactions, and a comprehensive list of medications and relevant devices.

(cc) Pharmacist comments relevant to the individual's drug therapy.

Nothing in this clause shall be construed as requiring a pharmacist to provide consultation when an individual receiving benefits under this subchapter or caregiver of such individual refuses such consultation.

(B) Retrospective drug use review

The program shall provide, through its mechanized drug claims processing and information retrieval systems (approved by the Secretary under section 1396b(r) of this title) or otherwise, for the ongoing periodic examination of claims data and other records in order to identify patterns of fraud, abuse, gross overuse, or inappropriate or medically unnecessary care, among physicians, pharmacists and individuals receiving benefits under this subchapter, or associated with specific drugs or groups of drugs.

(C) Application of standards

The program shall, on an ongoing basis, assess data on drug use against explicit predetermined standards (using the compendia and literature referred to in subsection 3 (1)(B) as the source of standards for such assessment) including but not limited to monitoring for therapeutic appropriateness, overutilization and underutilization, appropriate use of generic products, therapeutic duplication, drug-disease contraindications, drug-drug interactions, incorrect drug dosage or duration of drug treatment, and clinical abuse/misuse and, as necessary, introduce remedial strategies, in order to improve the quality of care and to conserve program funds or personal expenditures.

(D) Educational program

The program shall, through its State drug use review board established under paragraph (3), either directly or through contracts with accredited health care educational institutions, State medical societies or State pharmacists associations/societies or other organizations as specified by the State, and using data provided by the State drug use review board on common drug therapy problems, provide for active and ongoing educational outreach programs (including the activities described in paragraph (3)(C)(iii) of this subsection) to educate practitioners on common drug therapy problems with the aim of improving prescribing or dispensing practices.

(3) State drug use review board (A) Establishment

Each State shall provide for the establishment of a drug use review board (hereinafter referred to as the “DUR Board”) either directly or through a contract with a private organization.

(B) Membership

The membership of the DUR Board shall include health care professionals who have recognized knowledge and expertise in one or more of the following:

(i) The clinically appropriate prescribing of covered outpatient drugs.

(ii) The clinically appropriate dispensing and monitoring of covered outpatient drugs.

(iii) Drug use review, evaluation, and intervention.

(iv) Medical quality assurance.

The membership of the DUR Board shall be made up at least 1/3 but no more than 51 percent licensed and actively practicing physicians and at least 1/3 * * * 4 licensed and actively practicing pharmacists.

(C) Activities

The activities of the DUR Board shall include but not be limited to the following:

(i) Retrospective DUR as defined in section 5 (2)(B).

(ii) Application of standards as defined in section 5 (2)(C).

(iii) Ongoing interventions for physicians and pharmacists, targeted toward therapy problems or individuals identified in the course of retrospective drug use reviews performed under this subsection. Intervention programs shall include, in appropriate instances, at least:

(I) information dissemination sufficient to ensure the ready availability to physicians and pharmacists in the State of information concerning its duties, powers, and basis for its standards;

(II) written, oral, or electronic reminders containing patient-specific or drug-specific (or both) information and suggested changes in prescribing or dispensing practices, communicated in a manner designed to ensure the privacy of patient-related information;

(III) use of face-to-face discussions between health care professionals who are experts in rational drug therapy and selected prescribers and pharmacists who have been targeted for educational intervention, including discussion of optimal prescribing, dispensing, or pharmacy care practices, and follow-up face-to-face discussions; and

(IV) intensified review or monitoring of selected prescribers or dispensers.

The Board shall re-evaluate interventions after an appropriate period of time to determine if the intervention improved the quality of drug therapy, to evaluate the success of the interventions and make modifications as necessary.

(D) Annual report

Each State shall require the DUR Board to prepare a report on an annual basis. The State shall submit a report on an annual basis to the Secretary which shall include a description of the activities of the Board, including the nature and scope of the prospective and retrospective drug use review programs, a summary of the interventions used, an assessment of the impact of these educational interventions on quality of care, and an estimate of the cost savings generated as a result of such program. The Secretary shall utilize such report in evaluating the effectiveness of each State's drug use review program.

(h) Electronic claims management (1) In general

In accordance with chapter 35 of title 44 (relating to coordination of Federal information policy), the Secretary shall encourage each State agency to establish, as its principal means of processing claims for covered outpatient drugs under this subchapter, a point-of-sale electronic claims management system, for the purpose of performing on-line, real time eligibility verifications, claims data capture, adjudication of claims, and assisting pharmacists (and other authorized persons) in applying for and receiving payment.

(2) Encouragement

In order to carry out paragraph (1)—

(A) for calendar quarters during fiscal years 1991 and 1992, expenditures under the State plan attributable to development of a system described in paragraph (1) shall receive Federal financial participation under section 1396b(a)(3)(A)(i) of this title (at a matching rate of 90 percent) if the State acquires, through applicable competitive procurement process in the State, the most cost-effective telecommunications network and automatic data processing services and equipment; and

(B) the Secretary may permit, in the procurement described in subparagraph (A) in the application of part 433 of title 42, Code of Federal Regulations, and parts 95, 205, and 307 of title 45, Code of Federal Regulations, the substitution of the State's request for proposal in competitive procurement for advance planning and implementation documents otherwise required.

(i) Omitted (j) Exemption of organized health care settings

(1) Covered outpatient drugs dispensed by health maintenance organizations, including medicaid managed care organizations that contract under section 1396b(m) of this title, are not subject to the requirements of this section.

(2) The State plan shall provide that a hospital (providing medical assistance under such plan) that dispenses covered outpatient drugs using drug formulary systems, and bills the plan no more than the hospital's purchasing costs for covered outpatient drugs (as determined under the State plan) shall not be subject to the requirements of this section.

(3) Nothing in this subsection shall be construed as providing that amounts for covered outpatient drugs paid by the institutions described in this subsection should not be taken into account for purposes of determining the best price as described in subsection (c) of this section.

(k) Definitions

In this section—

(1) Average manufacturer price

The term “average manufacturer price” means, with respect to a covered outpatient drug of a manufacturer for a rebate period, the average price paid to the manufacturer for the drug in the United States by wholesalers for drugs distributed to the retail pharmacy class of trade, after deducting customary prompt pay discounts.

(2) Covered outpatient drug

Subject to the exceptions in paragraph (3), the term “covered outpatient drug” means—

(A) of those drugs which are treated as prescribed drugs for purposes of section 1396d(a)(12) of this title, a drug which may be dispensed only upon prescription (except as provided in paragraph (5)), and—

(i) which is approved for safety and effectiveness as a prescription drug under section 505 [21 U.S.C. 355] or 507 6 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act or which is approved under section 505(j) of such Act [21 U.S.C. 355(j)];

(ii)(I) which was commercially used or sold in the United States before October 10, 1962, or which is identical, similar, or related (within the meaning of section 310.6(b)(1) of title 21 of the Code of Federal Regulations) to such a drug, and (II) which has not been the subject of a final determination by the Secretary that it is a “new drug” (within the meaning of section 201(p) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act [21 U.S.C. 321(p)]) or an action brought by the Secretary under section 301, 302(a), or 304(a) of such Act [21 U.S.C. 331, 332(a), 334(a)] to enforce section 502(f) or 505(a) of such Act [21 U.S.C. 352(f), 355(a)]; or

(iii)(I) which is described in section 107(c)(3) of the Drug Amendments of 1962 and for which the Secretary has determined there is a compelling justification for its medical need, or is identical, similar, or related (within the meaning of section 310.6(b)(1) of title 21 of the Code of Federal Regulations) to such a drug, and (II) for which the Secretary has not issued a notice of an opportunity for a hearing under section 505(e) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act [21 U.S.C. 355(e)] on a proposed order of the Secretary to withdraw approval of an application for such drug under such section because the Secretary has determined that the drug is less than effective for some or all conditions of use prescribed, recommended, or suggested in its labeling; and

(B) a biological product, other than a vaccine which—

(i) may only be dispensed upon prescription,

(ii) is licensed under section 262 of this title, and

(iii) is produced at an establishment licensed under such section to produce such product; and

(C) insulin certified under section 506 6 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.

(3) Limiting definition

The term “covered outpatient drug” does not include any drug, biological product, or insulin provided as part of, or as incident to and in the same setting as, any of the following (and for which payment may be made under this subchapter as part of payment for the following and not as direct reimbursement for the drug):

(A) Inpatient hospital services.

(B) Hospice services.

(C) Dental services, except that drugs for which the State plan authorizes direct reimbursement to the dispensing dentist are covered outpatient drugs.

(D) Physicians’ services.

(E) Outpatient hospital services.

(F) Nursing facility services and services provided by an intermediate care facility for the mentally retarded.

(G) Other laboratory and x-ray services.

(H) Renal dialysis.

Such term also does not include any such drug or product for which a National Drug Code number is not required by the Food and Drug Administration or a drug or biological 7 used for a medical indication which is not a medically accepted indication. Any drug, biological product, or insulin excluded from the definition of such term as a result of this paragraph shall be treated as a covered outpatient drug for purposes of determining the best price (as defined in subsection (c)(1)(C) of this section) for such drug, biological product, or insulin.

(4) Nonprescription drugs

If a State plan for medical assistance under this subchapter includes coverage of prescribed drugs as described in section 1396d(a)(12) of this title and permits coverage of drugs which may be sold without a prescription (commonly referred to as “over-the-counter” drugs), if they are prescribed by a physician (or other person authorized to prescribe under State law), such a drug shall be regarded as a covered outpatient drug.

(5) Manufacturer

The term “manufacturer” means any entity which is engaged in—

(A) the production, preparation, propagation, compounding, conversion, or processing of prescription drug products, either directly or indirectly by extraction from substances of natural origin, or independently by means of chemical synthesis, or by a combination of extraction and chemical synthesis, or

(B) in the packaging, repackaging, labeling, relabeling, or distribution of prescription drug products.

Such term does not include a wholesale distributor of drugs or a retail pharmacy licensed under State law.

(6) Medically accepted indication

The term “medically accepted indication” means any use for a covered outpatient drug which is approved under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act [21 U.S.C. 301 et seq.] or the use of which is supported by one or more citations included or approved for inclusion in any of the compendia described in subsection (g)(1)(B)(i) of this section.

(7) Multiple source drug; innovator multiple source drug; noninnovator multiple source drug; single source drug (A) Defined (i) Multiple source drug

The term “multiple source drug” means, with respect to a rebate period, a covered outpatient drug (not including any drug described in paragraph (5)) for which there are 2 or more drug products which—

(I) are rated as therapeutically equivalent (under the Food and Drug Administration's most recent publication of “Approved Drug Products with Therapeutic Equivalence Evaluations”),

(II) except as provided in subparagraph (B), are pharmaceutically equivalent and bioequivalent, as defined in subparagraph (C) and as determined by the Food and Drug Administration, and

(III) are sold or marketed in the State during the period.

(ii) Innovator multiple source drug

The term “innovator multiple source drug” means a multiple source drug that was originally marketed under an original new drug application approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

(iii) Noninnovator multiple source drug

The term “noninnovator multiple source drug” means a multiple source drug that is not an innovator multiple source drug.

(iv) Single source drug

The term “single source drug” means a covered outpatient drug which is produced or distributed under an original new drug application approved by the Food and Drug Administration, including a drug product marketed by any cross-licensed producers or distributors operating under the new drug application.

(B) Exception

Subparagraph (A)(i)(II) shall not apply if the Food and Drug Administration changes by regulation the requirement that, for purposes of the publication described in subparagraph (A)(i)(I), in order for drug products to be rated as therapeutically equivalent, they must be pharmaceutically equivalent and bioequivalent, as defined in subparagraph (C).

(C) Definitions

For purposes of this paragraph—

(i) drug products are pharmaceutically equivalent if the products contain identical amounts of the same active drug ingredient in the same dosage form and meet compendial or other applicable standards of strength, quality, purity, and identity;

(ii) drugs are bioequivalent if they do not present a known or potential bioequivalence problem, or, if they do present such a problem, they are shown to meet an appropriate standard of bioequivalence; and

(iii) a drug product is considered to be sold or marketed in a State if it appears in a published national listing of average wholesale prices selected by the Secretary, provided that the listed product is generally available to the public through retail pharmacies in that State.

(8) Rebate period

The term “rebate period” means, with respect to an agreement under subsection (a) of this section, a calendar quarter or other period specified by the Secretary with respect to the payment of rebates under such agreement.

(9) State agency

The term “State agency” means the agency designated under section 1396a(a)(5) of this title to administer or supervise the administration of the State plan for medical assistance.

(Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531, title XIX, §1927, as added Pub. L. 101–508, title IV, §4401(a)(3), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1388–143; amended Pub. L. 102–585, title VI, §601(a)–(c), Nov. 4, 1992, 106 Stat. 4962–4964; Pub. L. 103–18, §2(a), Apr. 12, 1993, 107 Stat. 54; Pub. L. 103–66, title XIII, §13602(a), Aug. 10, 1993, 107 Stat. 613; Pub. L. 105–33, title IV, §§4701(b)(2)(A)(x), 4756, Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 493, 527; Pub. L. 106–113, div. B, §1000(a)(6) [title VI, §§606(a), 608(u)], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A–396, 1501A–398.)

References in Text

Section 107(c)(3) of the Drug Amendments of 1962, referred to in subsec. (k)(2)(A)(iii)(I), is section 107(c)(3) of Pub. L. 87–781 which is set out in an Effective Date of 1962 Amendment note under section 321 of Title 21, Food and Drugs.

The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, referred to in subsecs. (d)(4)(C) and (k)(6), is act June 25, 1938, ch. 675, 52 Stat. 1040, as amended, which is classified generally to chapter 9 (§301 et seq.) of Title 21. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 301 of Title 21 and Tables.

Section 507 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, referred to in subsec. (k)(2)(A)(i), was repealed by Pub. L. 105–115, title I, §125(b)(1), Nov. 21, 1997, 111 Stat. 2325.

Section 506 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, referred to in subsec. (k)(2)(C), was repealed and a new section 506 enacted by Pub. L. 105–115, title I, §§112(a), 125(a)(1), Nov. 21, 1997, 111 Stat. 2309, 2325, which no longer relates to insulin.

Codification

Subsec. (i) of this section, which required the Secretary to transmit to the Committee on Finance of the Senate, the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives, and the Committees on Aging of the Senate and the House of Representatives an annual report on the operation of this section in the preceding fiscal year, terminated, effective May 15, 2000, pursuant to section 3003 of Pub. L. 104–66, as amended, set out as a note under section 1113 of Title 31, Money and Finance. See, also, item 9 on page 93 of House Document No. 103–7.

Prior Provisions

A prior section 1927 of act Aug. 14, 1935, was renumbered section 1928 and is classified to section 1396s of this title.

Amendments

1999—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 106–113, §1000(a)(6) [title VI, §606(a)], substituted “shall become effective as of the date on which the agreement is entered into or, at State option, on any date thereafter on or before” for “shall not be effective until”.

Subsec. (g)(2)(A)(ii)(II)(cc). Pub. L. 106–113, §1000(a)(6) [title VI, §608(u)(1)], substituted “individual's” for “individuals”.

Subsec. (i)(1). Pub. L. 106–113, §1000(a)(6) [title VI, §608(u)(2)], substituted “the operation of this section” for “the the operation of this section”.

Subsec. (k)(7)(A)(iv). Pub. L. 106–113, §1000(a)(6) [title VI, §608(u)(3)(A)], substituted “distributors” for “distributers”.

Subsec. (k)(7)(C)(i). Pub. L. 106–113, §1000(a)(6) [title VI, §608(u)(3)(B)], substituted “pharmaceutically” for “pharmaceuutically”.

1997—Subsec. (g)(1)(B)(i)(III), (IV). Pub. L. 105–33, §4756, added subcl. (III) and redesignated former subcl. (III) as (IV).

Subsec. (j)(1). Pub. L. 105–33, §4701(b)(2)(A)(x), substituted “health maintenance organizations, including medicaid managed care organizations” for “* * * Health Maintenance Organizations, including those organizations”.

1993—Subsec. (b)(1)(A). Pub. L. 103–66, §13602(a)(2)(A)(i)(II), which directed amendment of subpar. (A) by substituting “dispensed after December 31, 1990, for which payment was made under the State plan for such period” for “dispensed under the plan during the quarter (or other period as the Secretary may specify)”, was executed by making the substitution for “dispensed under the plan during the quarter (or such other period as the Secretary may specify)” to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

Pub. L. 103–66, §13602(a)(2)(A)(i)(I), substituted “for a rebate period” for “each calendar quarter (or periodically in accordance with a schedule specified by the Secretary)”.

Subsec. (b)(2)(A). Pub. L. 103–66, §13602(a)(2)(A)(ii), substituted “each rebate period” for “each calendar quarter” and “units of each dosage form and strength and package size” for “dosage units”, inserted “after December 31, 1990, for which payment was made” after “dispensed”, and substituted “during the period” for “during the quarter”.

Subsec. (b)(3)(A)(i). Pub. L. 103–66, §13602(a)(2)(A)(iii), substituted “rebate period under the agreement” for “quarter” in two places.

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 103–66, §13602(a)(1), added subsec. (c) and struck out former subsec. (c) which related to determination of amount of rebate for certain drugs.

Pub. L. 103–18 substituted “such drug, except that for the calendar quarter beginning after September 30, 1992, and before January 1, 1993, the amount of the rebate may not exceed 50 percent of such average manufacturer price;” for “such drug;” in par. (1)(B)(ii)(II).

Subsecs. (d) to (f). Pub. L. 103–66, §13602(a)(1), added subsecs. (d) and (e), struck out former subsecs. (d) consisting of pars. (1) to (8) relating to limitations on coverage of drugs, (e) relating to denial of Federal financial participation in certain cases, and (f)(1) relating to reductions in pharmacy reimbursement limits, and struck out par. designation for former par. (2) of subsec. (f) without supplying a new designation. The text of former subsec. (f)(2) is now the last par. of subsec. (e).

Subsec. (k)(1). Pub. L. 103–66, §13602(a)(2)(B)(i), substituted “rebate period” for “calendar quarter” and inserted before period at end “, after deducting customary prompt pay discounts”.

Subsec. (k)(3). Pub. L. 103–66, §13602(a)(2)(B)(ii)(III), in concluding provisions, substituted “for which a National Drug Code number is not required by the Food and Drug Administration or a drug or biological used” for “which is used” and inserted at end “Any drug, biological product, or insulin excluded from the definition of such term as a result of this paragraph shall be treated as a covered outpatient drug for purposes of determining the best price (as defined in subsection (c)(1)(C) of this section) for such drug, biological product, or insulin.”

Subsec. (k)(3)(E). Pub. L. 103–66, §13602(a)(2)(B)(ii)(I), struck out “* * * *emergency room visits” after “services”.

Subsec. (k)(3)(F). Pub. L. 103–66, §13602(a)(2)(B)(ii)(II), which directed amendment of subpar. (F) by substituting “services and services provided by an intermediate care facility for the mentally retarded” for “services”, was executed by making the substitution for “sevices” to reflect the probable intent of Congress because the word “services” did not appear.

Subsec. (k)(6). Pub. L. 103–66, §13602(a)(2)(B)(iii), substituted “or the use of which is supported by one or more citations included or approved for inclusion in any of the compendia described in subsection (g)(1)(B)(i) of this section.” for “, which appears in peer-reviewed medical literature or which is accepted by one or more of the following compendia: the American Hospital Formulary Service-Drug Information, the American Medical Association Drug Evaluations, and the United States Pharmacopeia-Drug Information.”

Subsec. (k)(7)(A)(i). Pub. L. 103–66, §13602(a)(2)(B)(iv), substituted “rebate period” for “calendar quarter” in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (k)(8), (9). Pub. L. 103–66, §13602(a)(2)(B)(v), added par. (8) and redesignated former par. (8) as (9).

1992—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 102–585, §601(b)(1), substituted “manufacturer), and must meet the requirements of paragraph (5) (with respect to drugs purchased by a covered entity on or after the first day of the first month that begins after November 4, 1992) and paragraph (6)” for “manufacturer)”.

Subsec. (a)(5), (6). Pub. L. 102–585, §601(b)(2), added pars. (5) and (6).

Subsec. (b)(3)(D). Pub. L. 102–585, §601(b)(3), substituted “this paragraph or under an agreement with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs described in subsection (a)(6)(A)(ii) of this section” for “this paragraph”, “Secretary or the Secretary of Veterans Affairs” for “Secretary”, and “except—” and cls. (i) to (iii) for “except as the Secretary determines to be necessary to carry out this section and to permit the Comptroller General to review the information provided.”

Subsec. (b)(4)(B)(ii). Pub. L. 102–585, §601(b)(4)(i), (ii), substituted “the calendar quarter beginning at least 60 days” for “such period” and “the manufacturer provides notice to the Secretary.” for “of the notice as the Secretary may provide (but not beyond the term of the agreement).”

Subsec. (b)(4)(B)(iv), (v). Pub. L. 102–585, §601(b)(4)(iii), added cls. (iv) and (v).

Subsec. (c)(1)(B)(i). Pub. L. 102–585, §601(c)(1), which directed the substitution of “October 1, 1992,” for “January 1, 1993,”, was executed by making the substitution in introductory provisions and in subcl. (II), to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

Subsec. (c)(1)(B)(ii) to (v). Pub. L. 102–585, §601(c)(2), (3), added cls. (ii) to (v) and struck out former cl. (ii) which read as follows: “for quarters (or other periods) beginning after December 31, 1992, the greater of—

“(I) the difference between the average manufacturer price for a drug and 85 percent of such price, or

“(II) the difference between the average manufacturer price for a drug and the best price (as defined in paragraph (2)(B)) for such quarter (or period) for such drug.”

Subsec. (c)(1)(C). Pub. L. 102–585, §601(a), substituted “(excluding any prices charged on or after October 1, 1992, to the Indian Health Service, the Department of Veterans Affairs, a State home receiving funds under section 1741 of title 38, the Department of Defense, the Public Health Service, or a covered entity described in subsection (a)(5)(B) of this section, any prices charged under the Federal Supply Schedule of the General Services Administration, or any prices used under a State pharmaceutical assistance program, and excluding” for “(excluding”.

Effective Date of 1999 Amendment

Pub. L. 106–113, div. B, §1000(a)(6) [title VI, §606(b)], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A–396, provided that: “The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] applies to agreements entered into on or after the date of enactment of this Act [Nov. 29, 1999].”

Amendment by section 1000(a)(6) [title VI, §608(u)] of Pub. L. 106–113 effective Nov. 29, 1999, see section 1000(a)(6) [title VI, §608(bb)] of Pub. L. 106–113, set out as a note under section 1396a of this title.

Effective Date of 1997 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 105–33 effective Aug. 5, 1997, and applicable to contracts entered into or renewed on or after Oct. 1, 1997, see section 4710 of Pub. L. 105–33, set out as a note under section 1396b of this title.

Effective Date of 1993 Amendments

Section 13602(d) of Pub. L. 103–66 provided that:

“(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), the amendments made by this section [amending this section and sections 1396a and 1396b of this title] shall take effect as if included in the enactment of OBRA–1990 [Pub. L. 101–508].

“(2) The amendment made by subsection (a)(1) [amending this section] (insofar as such subsection amends section 1927(d) of the Social Security Act [subsec. (d) of this section]) and the amendment made by subsection (c) [amending section 1396a of this title] shall apply to calendar quarters beginning on or after October 1, 1993, without regard to whether or not regulations to carry out such amendments have been promulgated by such date.”

Section 2(b) of Pub. L. 103–18 provided that: “The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall take effect as if included in the enactment of section 601(c) of the Veterans Health Care Act of 1992 [Pub. L. 102–585].”

Effective Date of 1992 Amendment

Section 601(e) of Pub. L. 102–585 provided that: “The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall apply with respect to payments to State plans under title XIX of the Social Security Act [this subchapter] for calendar quarters (or periods) beginning on or after January 1, 1993 (without regard to whether or not regulations to carry out such amendments have been promulgated by such date).”

Reports on Best Price Changes and Payment of Rebates

Section 601(d) of Pub. L. 102–585 provided that not later than 90 days after the expiration of each calendar quarter beginning on or after Oct. 1, 1992, and ending on or before Dec. 31, 1995, Secretary of Health and Human Services was to submit to Congress a report containing information as to percentage of single source drugs whose best price either increased, decreased, or stayed the same in comparison to best price during previous calendar quarter, median and mean percentage increase or decrease of such price, and, with respect to drugs for which manufacturers were required to pay rebates under subsec. (c) of this section, Secretary's best estimate, on State-by-State and national aggregate basis, of total amount of rebates paid under subsec. (c) of this section and percentages of such total amounts attributable to rebates paid under pars. (1) to (3) of subsec. (c) of this section, limited consideration to drugs which are considered significant expenditures under medicaid program, and contained requirements for initial report.

Demonstration Projects To Evaluate Efficiency and Cost-Effectiveness of Prospective Drug Utilization Review

Section 4401(c) of title IV of Pub. L. 101–508 directed Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish statewide demonstration projects to evaluate efficiency and cost-effectiveness of prospective drug utilization review and to evaluate impact on quality of care and cost-effectiveness of paying pharmacists under this subchapter whether or not drugs were dispensed for drug use review services, with two reports to be submitted to Congress, the first not later than Jan. 1, 1994, and the second not later than Jan. 1, 1995.

Study of Drug Purchasing and Billing Practices in Health Care Industry; Report

Section 4401(d) of title IV of Pub. L. 101–508, as amended by Pub. L. 104–316, title I, §122(i), Oct. 19, 1996, 110 Stat. 3837, provided for various studies and reports as follows: (1) directed Comptroller General to conduct study of drug purchasing and billing activities of various health care systems, and to submit report to Secretary of Health and Human Services and to Congress by not later than May 1, 1991; (2) directed Comptroller General to submit to Secretary and Congress report on changes in prices charged by manufacturers for prescription drugs to Department of Veterans Affairs, other Federal programs, hospital pharmacies, and other purchasing groups and managed care plans; (3) directed Secretary, acting in consultation with Comptroller General, to study prior approval procedures utilized by State medical assistance programs conducted under this subchapter, and to submit report to Congress by not later than Dec. 31, 1991; (4) directed Secretary to conduct study on adequacy of current reimbursement rates to pharmacists under each State medical assistance program conducted under this subchapter, and to submit report to Congress by not later than Dec. 31, 1991; and (5) directed Secretary to undertake study of relationship between State medical assistance plans and Federal and State acquisition and reimbursement policies for vaccines and accessibility of vaccinations and immunization to children, and to report to Congress not later than one year after Nov. 5, 1990.

Section Referred to in Other Sections

This section is referred to in sections 256b, 1396a, 1396b of this title; title 38 section 8126.

1 So in original. Probably should be followed by a comma.

2 See 1993 Amendment note below.

3 So in original. Probably should be “paragraph”.

4 So in original.

5 So in original. Probably should be “paragraph”.

6 See References in Text note below.

7 So in original. Probably should be “biological product”.