Directs the state board of pharmacy to annually identify up to fifteen prescription drugs with increased costs and provides the list to the attorney general to obtain reasons for the cost increases.

# Summary of Rhode Island Bill: Pharmaceutical Cost Transparency

This bill would require Rhode Island's state board of pharmacy to create a list each year of up to fifteen prescription drugs that have seen significant price increases. The board would look at drugs that have experienced notable cost jumps — whether they are brand-name or generic medications — and compile this list based on specific criteria related to how much and how quickly the prices went up.

Once the list is created, the board would send it to the Rhode Island Attorney General. The Attorney General would then be responsible for reaching out to the manufacturers of those drugs to find out why the prices increased. Drug manufacturers would be required to provide explanations for the cost increases, which could include factors like changes in production costs, research and development expenses, or other business reasons. The goal is to bring more transparency to why certain medications are becoming more expensive for consumers.

This bill would primarily affect pharmaceutical companies that sell drugs in Rhode Island, as they would need to justify their pricing decisions. It would also affect Rhode Island residents who rely on prescription medications, particularly those taking drugs that have seen sharp price increases. By making this information available, the bill aims to help the public and state officials better understand what is driving prescription drug costs higher. The bill does not directly cap or control drug prices — it focuses solely on requiring explanations and increasing public awareness of pricing practices.

The bill has been introduced in the Rhode Island House of Representatives and referred to the House Health & Human Services Committee, which has recommended holding it for further study.