Preserving Patient Access to Long-Term Care Pharmacies Act

# Preserving Patient Access to Long-Term Care Pharmacies Act (HR 5031) **What the Bill Does:** This bill aims to protect long-term care pharmacies—specialized pharmacies that serve nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and homebound patients requiring ongoing medication management. The legislation would establish or strengthen protections for these pharmacies against restrictions that could limit their ability to serve patients in long-term care settings. **Who It Affects:** The bill primarily affects elderly and disabled individuals in nursing homes and assisted living facilities who rely on these specialized pharmacies for regular medication delivery. It also impacts the pharmacy industry itself, particularly smaller long-term care pharmacy operators who may face competitive pressure from larger healthcare systems or mail-order pharmacies. **Current Status:** The bill is currently in committee (as of the information provided), meaning it has been introduced but has not yet advanced to a full House vote.

No substantive provisions are detailed in the publicly available record, so the specific mechanisms for protecting these pharmacies remain unclear. The bill was sponsored by Representative Beth Van Duyne (R-TX).