The bill, Minnesota Senate File No. 1785, proposes modifications to the state's medication repository program, which facilitates the donation and redistribution of unused medications and medical supplies.

Key Provisions:

1. Eligibility Criteria for Drug Donations (Subd. 6)

   • Donated drugs must have an expiration date at least six months after the donation unless in high demand.
   • Drugs must be sealed, unopened, and in tamper-evident packaging.
   • Cannot have signs of tampering, misbranding, deterioration, or adulteration.
   • Must be stored at normal room temperature unless donated by a manufacturer, wholesale distributor, or Minnesota pharmacy.
   • Controlled substances cannot be donated.

2. Eligibility for Medical Supplies

   • Must remain sealed, untampered, and unadulterated.
   • Expiration date (if applicable) must be at least six months after donation, unless in high demand.

3. Donor Verification Requirements

   • Donors must complete a donor form, available on the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy’s website.
   • Requires donor’s name, contact information, and, if applicable, license number.
   • Donors must confirm proper storage conditions and that donations have not been tampered with.

4. Donation and Distribution Process

   • Central and local repositories cannot use drop boxes for donations.
   • Donations must be inspected by a designated pharmacist or practitioner before dispensing.
   • A written or electronic inventory must be maintained for all donated items.
   • If donated medications are insufficient, the central repository can purchase drugs from licensed wholesalers to fill prescriptions but must prioritize using donated drugs.

5. Distribution of Donated Medications & Supplies (Subd. 10)

   • Donations can be transferred between participating repositories.
   • If a local repository chooses not to dispense donations, it must transfer them to the central repository.
   • Any drugs or supplies that do not meet donation standards must be disposed of properly.

6. Funding Appropriation (Sec. 3)

   • Allocates $900,000 annually from the general fund for the fiscal years 2026 through 2029 to support the program.

Purpose:

The bill aims to streamline donation procedures, enhance inspection and inventory management, ensure safe distribution, and provide consistent funding for Minnesota’s medication repository program, supporting medication access for eligible patients.