SF 3499

Introduction - 94th Legislature (2025 - 2026)

Posted on 05/09/2025 09:50 a.m.

A bill for an act
relating to health; authorizing the stockpiling of essential medications for
emergencies; requiring a report; appropriating money; proposing coding for new
law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 145.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

new text begin [145.846] STATE-MANAGED MEDICATION STOCKPILING.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Purpose. new text end

new text begin In order to manage the impacts from drug shortages and public
health emergencies, the state requires a stockpile of essential medications to ensure
emergency preparedness, address drug shortages, ensure ethical distribution of medication,
ensure public safety, and manage supply chain disruptions. The state shall proactively protect
patient access to medications by establishing medication reserves.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Definitions. new text end

new text begin (a) For purposes of this section, the following terms have the
meanings given.
new text end

new text begin (b) "Essential medications" means prescription and over-the-counter drugs deemed
necessary for public health.
new text end

new text begin (c) "Stockpiling" means the accumulation of medication beyond reasonable personal or
institutional necessity.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Authorization. new text end

new text begin (a) The Department of Health, in collaboration with the
Department of Commerce, shall create and manage a strategic stockpile of essential
prescription medications. The commissioner of health shall collaborate with medical experts,
pharmaceutical companies, and community health clinics to determine the scope of the
stockpile needed.
new text end

new text begin (b) The Department of Health may contract with third-party vendors to manage stockpiled
inventory. The third-party vendors must have expertise in warehouse design; implementation
of a stockpile; and management of medication tracking, inventory replenishment, distribution,
and inventory rotation.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Implementation. new text end

new text begin (a) The Department of Health shall develop protocols and
guidelines for inventory tracking, storage conditions, equitable medication distribution,
formulary development, and periodic reviews to ensure the safety and efficacy of stockpiled
medications.
new text end

new text begin (b) The department shall develop protocols for the equitable distribution of stockpiled
medications during emergencies. Distribution limits may be imposed during declared
emergencies to ensure fair access.
new text end

new text begin (c) The department shall maintain a comprehensive inventory of medications within the
stockpile and develop distribution protocols to ensure the distribution of medications and
shall coordinate with local health authorities, emergency responders, and health care facilities.
new text end

new text begin (d) The department shall enter into agreements with pharmacies, hospitals, and
manufacturers to facilitate the procurement and storage of essential medications.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Reporting and oversight. new text end

new text begin The department shall submit an annual report to the
chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees with jurisdiction over
health policy and finance. The report must detail the stockpile inventory, usage, and any
updates to management protocols.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end

Sec. 2. new text begin APPROPRIATION.
new text end

new text begin $....... in fiscal year 2026 is appropriated from the general fund to the commissioner of
health for the purposes of section 1.
new text end