Purpose

The purpose of this bill is to address drug shortages and public health emergencies in Minnesota by creating a state-managed reserve of essential medications. This stockpile is intended to ensure emergency preparedness, ethical distribution of drugs, public safety, and management of supply chain disruptions.

Main Provisions

• Stockpile Creation and Management: The Department of Health, working with the Department of Commerce, will establish and manage a strategic reserve of essential prescription medications. The creation process involves consulting medical experts, pharmaceutical companies, and community health clinics to determine what the stockpile should include.
• Third-Party Contracts: The state may hire third-party vendors with expertise in inventory management, warehouse design, and distribution to manage the stockpile.
• Implementation Protocols: The Department of Health is tasked with developing protocols for various aspects such as inventory tracking, storage conditions, equitable distribution of medications, and regular safety and efficacy reviews.
• Equitable Distribution: Guidelines will be established to ensure fair distribution of medications, especially during declared emergencies, possibly including distribution limits to maintain equity.
• Collaboration Agreements: The Department will form partnerships with pharmacies, hospitals, and manufacturers for the procurement and storage of the necessary medications.

Significant Changes

• New Reporting Requirements: The Department of Health must submit an annual report to legislative health committees detailing the inventory and usage of the stockpile, as well as any updates to the management protocols.

Relevant Terms

• Health emergencies
• Drug shortages
• Essential medications
• Stockpile management
• Inventory protocols
• Equitable distribution
• Emergency preparedness