Residents of Florida may be able to start seeing cheaper options of prescription drugs. On April 11, the GOP-led Florida House passed a bill that would help import medication. Such importation would give a more affordable and quality healthcare to Floridians, according to a press release from House Majority Leader Dane Eagle.

In order to succeed, the final Senate bill and House bill must be in agreement. Thereafter, the program would also need approval from the Food and Drug Administration at the federal level.

Known as the Prescription Drug Importation Programs, it would allow people to have access to FDA-approved drugs from other countries that are known to abide by “good manufacturing practices.” Such access could help reduce costs for prescription medications that can have higher costs when bought here in Florida.

“We are dedicated to providing Floridians with greater access to affordable, quality healthcare. Our goal is to encourage and support competition by removing excessive regulation and empowering Floridians with more information and more options,” mentioned Eagle.

As head sponsor of the bill, Rep. Tom Leek (R-Ormond Beach) has helped to identify specific conditions that the bill must meet. Such conditions range from distribution requirements to annual reporting. The bill is intended to ensure that safe distribution is maintained throughout the state when imported from other countries, such as Canada.

“Today, the Florida House gave Floridians a fighting chance for safe, lower cost prescription medication. It’s time we put patients over profits,” Leek said on the day the measure passed.