KENTUCKY LEGISLATURE EYES NEW Rx IMPORT PROPOSAL

Pharmacists in Kentucky soon may be allowed to stock their prescriptiondepartment shelves with low-cost drugs from Canada or other countries. Newlegislation to that effect is being debated by state lawmakers.

The bill directs state officials to seek federal authority to permit Kentuckypharmacists as well as drug distributors and wholesalers to obtain drugs fromlicensed, foreign suppliers. State auditors told the legislature that opening thedoor for cheaper prescription drug imports could significantly reduce healthcosts for Kentucky consumers and taxpayers.