Sanchez bill that helps medical patients passes House
Rep. Ben Sanchez October 27, 2025 | 2:55 PM
HARRISBURG, Oct. 27 – A bipartisan bill sponsored by state Rep. Ben Sanchez, D–Montgomery, to let patients at hospitals, urgent care and surgical facilities, and doctors’ offices take home certain unfinished medications needed for their ongoing care unanimously passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives today.
The measure would help patients access the care they need more affordably while promoting more efficient and sustainable delivery across Pennsylvania’s health care providers.
House Bill 446 would allow patients who receive multidose medications—such as eye drops, ointments, or inhalers—during a stay or visit with a health care provider to take home any remaining portion after discharge if it is needed for continued treatment. Controlled substances and drugs administered intravenously would not be included.
“This is a commonsense reform that helps patients and our health care providers as a whole,” Sanchez said. “Right now, patients are often charged for an entire bottle or container of medication used during a procedure, but any leftover medicine is thrown away when they leave. Then, if they still need that medication for recovery, they’re forced to buy it all over again. House Bill 446 ensures that patients can take home the medication for which they have already paid.”
Sanchez noted that the legislation would help reduce unnecessary medical waste, address medication shortages, and save patients money—all while ensuring safety standards are met.
Similar policies have already been enacted in Delaware, Illinois, and Tennessee, and have been supported by multiple medical organizations.
“This simple change is about fairness, efficiency, and good stewardship of resources,” Sanchez added. “It ensures that Pennsylvanians get the medications they pay for and need for their recovery—while reducing waste in our health care system.”
House Bill 446 now heads to the state Senate for consideration.
Sanchez represents the 153rd Legislative District, comprised of Rockledge and parts of Abington and Upper Dublin in Montgomery County.
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CONTACT: Ryan Bevitz
House Democratic Communications Office
Phone: 717-787-7895
Email: rbevitz@pahouse.net
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