Sen. Burgin files bill in North Carolina Senate on 340B drug pricing transparency

A new bill filed by State Sen. Jim Burgin seeks to promote pricing fairness and transparency for hospitals and entities participating in the 340B Drug Pricing Program, according to the North Carolina State Senate.

The bill, filed as SB 517 on March 25 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘Fair Pricing & Trnspncy/340B Covered Entities.’

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, the bill establishes fair pricing and transparency requirements for 340B covered entities in North Carolina. It requires covered entities, such as hospitals that participate in the 340B Drug Pricing Program, to refrain from accepting payments exceeding the acquisition cost for discounted 340B drugs dispensed to patients. Violations are considered unfair or deceptive trade practices. Additionally, the bill mandates annual reporting by covered entities, starting no later than Oct. 1, 2026, detailing acquisition costs, payments received, and the extent of use of 340B drugs. Reports must also include information on whether discounts are passed to patients, operating costs, and payments to associated pharmacies and third-party administrators. The Department is tasked with publishing these reports online. The act is effective upon becoming law.

Of the three sponsors of this bill, Burgin proposed the most bills (64) during the 2025 regular session.

Bills in North Carolina follow a multi-step process before becoming law. A lawmaker starts by filing a bill, which is assigned to a committee for review. The bill must be read three times in each chamber. If one chamber changes the bill after the other passes it, both must agree on the final version. Once both chambers approve the same bill, it goes to the governor, who has 10 days (or 30 if the legislature is not in session) to sign, veto, or let it become law without a signature.

You can read more about the bills and other measures here.

Burgin graduated from The University of Tennessee Knoxville with a BS.

Burgin, a Republican, was elected to the North Carolina State Senate in 2019 to represent the state’s 12th Senate district, replacing previous state senator Ronald Rabin.