MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2024 Regular Session
To: Drug Policy
By: Representative Ford (54th)
AN ACT TO AUTHORIZE PRESCRIPTION DRUGS TO BE IMPORTED INTO THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING SAFE AND EFFECTIVE PRESCRIPTION DRUGS THAT HAVE THE HIGHEST POTENTIAL FOR COST SAVINGS TO THE STATE; TO DEFINE CERTAIN TERMS RELATING TO THE IMPORTATION AND EXPORTATION OF PRESCRIPTION DRUGS; TO AUTHORIZE AN ELIGIBLE IMPORTER TO IMPORT A PRESCRIPTION DRUG INTO THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI FROM AN ELIGIBLE EXPORTER IF THE DRUG MEETS THE UNITED STATES FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION'S STANDARDS RELATED TO SAFETY, EFFECTIVENESS, MISBRANDING, AND ADULTERATION, AND IF IMPORTING THE DRUG WOULD NOT VIOLATE THE PATENT LAWS OF THE UNITED STATES; TO PROVIDE THAT AN ELIGIBLE EXPORTER IS EITHER AN INTERNATIONAL PRESCRIPTION DRUG WHOLESALE DISTRIBUTOR, A NONRESIDENT PRESCRIPTION DRUG MANUFACTURER, OR AN INTERNATIONAL EXPORT PHARMACY; TO PROVIDE THAT AN ELIGIBLE IMPORTER IS EITHER A WHOLESALE DISTRIBUTOR, A LICENSED PHARMACIST, OR A PHARMACY; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:
SECTION 1. (1) As used in this act, the following terms have the meanings as defined in this section, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
(a) "Distributor" means an individual or entity that delivers a drug or device other than by administering or dispensing to persons other than the ultimate consumer.
(b) The term "drug" has the same meaning as provided in Section 73-21-73.
(c) The term "manufacturer" has the same meaning as provided in Section 73-21-73.
(d) The term "pharmacist" has the same meaning as provided in Section 73-21-73.
(e) The term "pharmacy" has the same meaning as provided in Section 73-21-73.
(f) The term "prescription" has the same meaning as provided in Section 73-21-73.
(g) The term "prescription drug" has the same meaning as provided in Section 73-21-73.
(h) "Wholesaler" means an individual or entity who buys or otherwise acquires prescription drugs or prescription devices for resale or distribution, or for repackaging for resale or distribution, to persons other than consumers.
(2) An eligible importer is authorized to import a prescription drug into the State of Mississippi from an eligible exporter if:
(a) The drug meets the United States Food and Drug Administration's standards related to safety, effectiveness, misbranding, and adulteration; and
(b) Importing the drug would not violate the patent laws of the United States.
(2) The following eligible exporters are authorized to export prescription drugs into this state:
(a) An international prescription drug wholesale distributor;
(b) A nonresident prescription drug manufacturer; or
(c) An international export pharmacy.
(3) The following eligible importers are authorized to import prescription drugs into this state:
(a) A wholesale distributor;
(b) A pharmacy; or
(c) A pharmacist.
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2024.