A first-of-its-kind proposal to create a prescription drug affordability board in Maryland advanced last week after a Maryland House committee overwhelmingly voted in favor of it, according to The Baltimore Sun.
The Health and Government Operations Committee voted 19-3 to support the legislation, which will head to the full House for a vote this week.
The bill would create a drug affordability board, filled with government appointees, that could set limits on how much state and local governments pay for high-cost medications. The goal is to lower prescription drug spending in the state.
The drug industry's leading trade group, Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, opposes the legislation, calling it "dangerous." The group said it could lead to delays and other challenges for patients.