Posted: April 13, 2017
HB3438 has unanimously passed both legislative chambers in South Carolina, and awaits Governor Henry McMaster’s signature. The bill provides important pathways for patient access to biologic medications, while also creating much needed safety rules that include a mandate that pharmacists must communicate to physicians about a biosimilar substitution within 5 business days of its dispensing. Requiring this communication as quickly as possible provides physicians an opportunity to counter and correctly report any adverse effects of these medications.
With FDA approval of biosimilars, biological products continue to be of growing importance for rheumatology patients. CSRO supports the safe introduction of interchangeable biologic drugs into the practice of medicine in South Carolina and anticipates the passage of HB 3438.
Just last week, New Mexico became the 29th state to enact such important legislation, and across the country similar bills are being moved. South Carolina joins Kansas and Maryland with biosimilar legislation approaching final enactment.
