HB3623 would amend the Department of Public Health Powers and Duties Law to require the Illinois Department of Public Health to produce an annual report to the General Assembly by December 31 identifying the locations of “pharmacy deserts” in Illinois and describing health issues associated with those areas. The bill also allows the reporting requirement to be satisfied if the annual report includes comparable information from the federal government.
The bill defines a “pharmacy desert” as a location lacking prescription medication retail sales, in part because of a shortage of pharmacies, health care facilities, or other physical dispensaries of prescription medication. In practical terms, the measure is aimed at documenting geographic gaps in access to prescription drugs and related health care resources, rather than directly regulating pharmacies or creating new service mandates.
Impact
HB3623 would create a new reporting duty for the Illinois Department of Public Health and add a new Section 2310-23 to the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. It does not appear to change licensing rules, reimbursement, or pharmacy operations directly; instead, it requires state-level tracking and annual disclosure of pharmacy desert locations and associated health concerns. The bill could support future policy decisions affecting access to medications, rural health, and health equity by giving lawmakers a formal data source on underserved areas.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and the absence of recorded committee testimony or votes, the overall sentiment appears neutral to supportive in purpose, with the bill framed as a public health data-gathering measure. Its sponsor presents it as a straightforward informational requirement intended to identify access gaps. There is no evidence in the available record of organized opposition, amendments, or divided voting.
Contention
The main potential point of contention is definitional and methodological: what qualifies as a “pharmacy desert,” how those locations are measured, and whether the Department should rely on state analysis or federal data. Another possible issue is whether the reporting requirement adds administrative burden without directly addressing access problems. No specific opponents or supporters are identified in the available transcripts or voting history, so any contention is inferred from the bill’s structure rather than from recorded debate.
To Amend The Arkansas Pharmacy Benefits Manager Licensure Act; To Establish Fees Under The Arkansas Pharmacy Benefits Manager Licensure Act; And To Require Reporting Of Certain Information By A Pharmacy Benefits Manager.
Human services: medical services; Medicaid managed care contract with pharmacy benefit manager; modify. Amends sec. 105i of 1939 PA 280 (MCL 400.105i).