The legislature recognizes the responsibility of the state to insure that the citizens of the state are offered a choice between generic drugs and brand name drugs and the benefit of quality pharmaceutical products at competitive prices. Advances in the drug industry resulting from research and the elimination of counterfeiting of prescription drugs should benefit the users of the drugs. Pharmacy must continue to operate with accountability and effectiveness. The legislature hereby declares it to be the policy of the state that its citizens receive safe and therapeutically effective drug products at the most reasonable cost consistent with high drug quality standards.

Severability—1977 ex.s. c 352: “If any provision of this act, or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act, or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected.” [ 1977 ex.s. c 352 § 10.]