The state of Connecticut recently enacted HB 6669, which requires registration of pharmaceutical manufacturers employing sales representatives who interact with health care professionals (HCPs) in Connecticut. The portions of the law related to registration for pharmaceutical marketing take effect October 1, 2023. Under the law, manufacturers operating in Connecticut will need to obtain and annually renew a manufacturer license and submit a report, starting on July 1, 2024, and annually thereafter, on certain information related to interactions with Connecticut HCPs. The law also contains requirements for information that must be provided by sales representatives when interacting with HCPs.

Governor Ned Lamont signed into law legislation he proposed that enacts a series of initiatives focused on reducing health care costs and improving the delivery of care for Connecticut residents. The legislation, Public Act 23-171, contains a multitrack approach to tackle the ongoing issue of health care affordability. Some of the major provisions in the legislation include a new drug discount card program, new oversight of pharmaceutical marketers, new investigations into PBMs and Medicare/Medicaid, increased transparency for high-cost drug increases, prohibitions on facility fees, 340B contract protections, and the outlawing of anti-competitive contracting practices.

Legislators are considering new bills that would expand pharmacists' authority, House Bill 6768 and Senate Bill 1102. HB 6768 allows pharmacists to independently prescribe FDA-approved hormonal and emergency contraceptives and includes protections for pharmacists who dispense pregnancy termination drugs. SB 1102 permits pharmacists to administer test-to-treat services for influenza, COVID-19 and HIV PEP/PrEP therapies, and to vaccinate individuals over the age of 12. It also includes insurance coverage for medication administration by pharmacists.

In an effort to fight the opioid criss, Governor Lamont announced that the state has received $1.3 million in funding for providers to integrate their electronic health records or pharmacy management systems with a Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP)Gateway. This move will allow pharmacies to streamline their records and meet state requirements for preventing prescription drug abuse.

In anticipation for the COVID-19 vaccine rollout, Governor Ned Lamont signed Executive Order No. 9Q (the "Order") to enable pharmacies across the state to administer approved doses. These vaccines must be pursuant to an order by a licensed healthcare provider and must meet other state requirements. However, they give community pharmacies a greater role in vaccine administration and COVID-19 prevention.