Sec. 1. 22 MRSA §254-C is enacted to read:

§254-C.__Prescription drug program for out-of-state

and out-of-country prescription drugs

The department shall establish a prescription drug program to provide access to prescription drugs from out of the State and out of the country, including Canada, to residents of the State who are 62 years of age and older or have disabilities.

1.__Definitions.__As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings.

A. "Member" means a person who meets the eligibility requirements of subsection 2 and who is enrolled in the program.

B. "Program" means the prescription drug program under this section.

2.__Eligibility.__Residents of the State are eligible for the program if they are 62 years of age or older or have disabilities.

3.__Access.__Access to prescription drugs under the program is subject to the requirements of this subsection.

A.__The member must show evidence of use of a pharmacist licensed in the State to coordinate all prescriptions and prevent harmful drug interactions.

B.__The program may provide access to prescription drugs that a member has taken according to prescription for at least 15 days.

C.__The program may provide access to prescription drugs from pharmacies located outside of the State and outside of the country, including Canada.

D.__The program may provide access to prescription drugs that are brand-name drugs in their original sealed packaging.

E.__The program may not provide access to antibiotics for acute illnesses or prescription drugs for alleviation of pain that are habit-forming.

4.__Testing.__The program must include a procedure for random testing of drugs to ensure purity and safety for the member.