Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to create a strategic stockpile of essential medications in Minnesota to manage drug shortages and public health emergencies. This stockpile will ensure that essential drugs are readily available to maintain public safety, handle supply chain disruptions, and provide equitable access to medications during crises.

Main Provisions

• Stockpile Creation: The Minnesota Department of Health, in collaboration with the Department of Commerce, will establish and manage the stockpile of essential medications, both prescription and over-the-counter.
• Collaboration: The Department of Health will work with medical experts, pharmaceutical companies, and community health clinics to determine the scope of the stockpile.
• Management by Third-Party Vendors: There is provision for contracting third-party vendors with expertise in warehouse design and medication management to oversee inventory tracking, replenishment, and distribution.
• Distribution Protocols: The Department of Health will develop guidelines for tracking, storage, and equitable distribution of medications, particularly during emergencies.
• Agreements with Stakeholders: The department will form agreements with hospitals, pharmacies, and medication manufacturers to aid in procuring and storing essential drugs.

Significant Changes

• New Reporting Requirements: The Department of Health must submit an annual report to the legislature detailing the stockpile’s inventory, usage, and any changes in management protocols.

Relevant Terms

essential medications, stockpiling, drug shortages, public health emergencies, medication reserves, Department of Health, equitable distribution, inventory tracking, third-party vendors, annual report.