From the desk of Senator Joyce Waddell

Inmate Pharmacy Purchasing Modification

Joyce Waddell

Charlotte, NC- Tuesday December 4, the Senate voted on House Bill 1108, which would modify inmate pharmacy purchasing and monitoring. The Joint Legislative Program Evaluation Oversight Committee directed the Program Evaluation Division to examine the efficiency and economy of inmate healthcare. This bill focuses on pharmaceutical-related expenditures for inmates, which totaled $72.7 million in Fiscal Year 2016–17, an 88% ($33.9 million) increase from five years ago.

Filed November 28, HB 1108 (PED/Inmate Pharmacy Purchasing/Monitoring) includes developing a compliant program with Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) for purchasing medications for the treatment of HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C, and other costly medical conditions through a Disproportionate Share Hospital. This bill will direct Department of Public Safety (DPS) Health Services to revise its medication administration protocol to require supplies of medications worth over $1,000 to be designated as Direct Observation Therapy. In addition, DPS to collect additional data on medications lost during the inmate transfer process, establish internal oversight, and audit activist to limit losses. DPS Health Services will be required to report to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Justice and Public Safety.

House Bill 1025 (GSC Technical Corrections 2018) was passed by the Senate on Tuesday. This bill consists of adjustments to technical language to the General Statutes and sessions laws. In addition to the North Carolina Uniform Power of Attorney Act, correcting spelling and drafting error, formatting updates, and making language gender neutral.

“We are rushing House Bill 1108 and take more time to do what’s necessary to get more information before moving forward.” Said Senator Joyce Waddell.

Senator Waddell Voted against House Bill 1108.