Washington Post (Excerpt)
By Josh Hicks May 26, 2017
…
Hogan on Friday also allowed dozens of bills to become law without his signature, including one that authorizes state Attorney General Brian E. Frosh (D) to sue drug companies that dramatically increase the price of drugs, and another that gives the Prince George’s County executive authority to appoint the jurisdiction’s liquor board members.
The price-gouging measure, which is the first of its kind in the nation, is limited to generic and off-patent pharmaceuticals that experience “unconscionable” price increases. It allows the attorney general to take action if a manufacturer raises the cost of such drugs to a level considered unjustifiable.
“We are really leading the way on this issue,” said Vincent DeMarco, president of the Maryland Citizens’ Health Initiative and a lead advocate for the bill. “It’s going to do a lot to deter price gouging in Maryland, and we hope it spreads across the country.”
Last modified: May 31, 2017
