45th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2002

REQUESTING THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS TO ENACT LEGISLATION THAT WOULD ESTABLISH A SINGLE, UNIFORM FEDERAL "BEST PRICE" OF PRESCRIPTION DRUGS TO ELIMINATE DISPARITIES IN DISCOUNTING AMONG FEDERAL PURCHASERS.

WHEREAS, a complex patchwork of federal laws governs prices paid by federal purchasers for prescription drugs; and

WHEREAS, these prices are subject to a complicated array of federal regulations; and

WHEREAS, the range of discounted prices mandated by the federal government may vary by as much as twenty percent; and

WHEREAS, the complexity of the federal pricing laws and regulations detrimentally affects opportunities for obtaining pharmaceutical discounts for vulnerable populations at the state level; and

WHEREAS, the lowest price, or "best price", should be uniform and consistent in order to ensure that populations truly in need are able to obtain life-saving prescription drugs when they are needed at affordable prices;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the congress of the United States be requested to enact legislation that would establish a single, uniform federal "best price" for prescription drugs in order to eliminate disparities in discounting among federal purchasers; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this memorial be sent to each member of New Mexico's congressional delegation.