SANTA FE – New Mexico’s Senate endorsed a bill Tuesday that might allow the state to pursue imports of prescription drugs from Canada on a wholesale basis in search of cost savings.
Several states including Florida are looking for pathways to import prescription medicine while adhering to U.S. safety standards.
In December, the administration of President Donald Trump said it was moving forward with proposed regulations that might allow states to import many brand-name drugs from Canada with federal oversight.
It is unclear whether Canadian suppliers are capable or interested in supplying large U.S. markets.
In New Mexico, the Democrat-sponsored bill would authorize the state Health Department to develop a future application for federal approval to import wholesale drugs from Canada.
Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham supports the effort to get the front of the line as states look abroad for drug savings.
The bill now moves to the state House for consideration.
