HB 6855, An Act Concerning The Department Of Consumer Protection’s Recommendations Regarding Drug Control And Cannabis, Hemp And Infused Beverage Regulation

TESTIMONY OF CONNECTICUT HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION
SUBMITTED TO THE GENERAL LAW COMMITTEE

Friday, February 14, 2025

The Connecticut Hospital Association (CHA) appreciates this opportunity to submit testimony concerning HB 6855, An Act Concerning The Department Of Consumer Protection’s Recommendations Regarding Drug Control And Cannabis, Hemp And Infused Beverage Regulation. CHA has concerns with sections 2 and 3.

Connecticut hospitals and health systems care for patients, strengthen the state’s economy, and support vulnerable communities across the state. Every day, they work to improve healthcare access, affordability, and health equity. Even as they face ongoing challenges, hospitals provide world-class care to everyone who walks through their doors, regardless of their ability to pay.

Hospitals also support an exemplary workforce as the largest collective employer in the state, contribute significantly to the state’s economy, and invest in their communities addressing social drivers of health.

Sections 2 and 3 of HB 6855 seek to place additional regulatory controls on nonresident pharmacies when they are dispensing compounded sterile pharmaceuticals that will reach patients in Connecticut. (Under existing Connecticut law, a nonresident pharmacy is an out-of-state pharmacy that ships, mails, or delivers, in any manner, legend devices or legend drugs into Connecticut pursuant to a prescription order.)

We appreciate the interest in regulating the safety of the drug supply chain in Connecticut. But we respectfully ask that the implementation date be moved to July 1, 2026, to allow time for providers to verify that out-of-state pharmacies they utilize will have sufficient time to change their practices, if necessary, in order to comply or, alternatively, that there would be enough time for providers to find other sources to supply these pharmaceuticals.

Thank you for your consideration of our position. For additional information, contact CHA Government Relations at (203) 294-7301.