new text begin Information provision; sources of lower cost prescription drugs. new text end

new text begin (a) The board shall publish a page on its website that provides regularly updated information concerning: new text end

new text begin (1) patient assistance programs offered by drug manufacturers, including information on how to access the programs; new text end

new text begin (2) the prescription drug assistance program established by the Minnesota Board of Aging under section 256.975, subdivision 9; new text end

new text begin (3) the websites through which individuals can access information concerning eligibility for and enrollment in Medicare, medical assistance, MinnesotaCare, and other government-funded programs that help pay for the cost of health care; new text end

new text begin (4) availability of providers that are authorized to participate under section 340b of the federal Public Health Services Act, United States Code, title 42, section 256b; new text end

new text begin (5) having a discussion with the pharmacist or the consumer's health care provider about alternatives to a prescribed drug, including a lower cost or generic drug if the drug prescribed is too costly for the consumer; and new text end

new text begin (6) any other resource that the board deems useful to individuals who are attempting to purchase prescription drugs at lower costs. new text end

new text begin (b) The board must prepare educational materials, including brochures and posters, based on the information it provides on its website under paragraph (a). The materials must be in a form that can be downloaded from the board's website and used for patient education by pharmacists and by health care practitioners who are licensed to prescribe. The board is not required to provide printed copies of these materials. new text end

new text begin (c) The board shall require pharmacists and pharmacies to make available to patients information on sources of lower cost prescription drugs, including information on the availability of the website established under paragraph (a). new text end