To prohibit pharmacy benefit managers and pharmacies from being under common ownership, and for other purposes.

Bill 118 hr 10362, also known as the "Pharmacy Benefit Manager and Pharmacy Ownership Prohibition Act," aims to prevent pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and pharmacies from being owned by the same entity. The bill seeks to address concerns about potential conflicts of interest and anti-competitive practices that may arise when PBMs and pharmacies are under common ownership.

Under the proposed legislation, PBMs, which are companies that manage prescription drug benefits for health insurance plans, would be prohibited from owning or controlling pharmacies. Similarly, pharmacies would be prohibited from owning or controlling PBMs. This separation of ownership is intended to promote transparency, competition, and consumer choice in the pharmaceutical industry.

In addition to the ownership prohibition, the bill includes provisions to enhance oversight and regulation of PBMs and pharmacies. It requires PBMs to disclose information about their pricing practices and financial relationships with pharmacies, as well as to adhere to certain standards of conduct. The bill also empowers state and federal regulators to enforce these requirements and impose penalties for non-compliance. Overall, Bill 118 hr 10362 aims to promote fair competition and protect consumers by preventing potential conflicts of interest in the pharmaceutical industry. Supporters of the bill argue that it will help lower drug prices and improve access to medications for patients. Critics, however, raise concerns about the potential impact on the business operations of PBMs and pharmacies. The bill is currently under consideration in Congress, and its fate will depend on further debate and negotiation among lawmakers.