5/20/19
What are we advocating for on Capitol Hill here in Washington D.C. this week on behalf of compounding pharmacists and the patients they serve? This is a quick outline of my take on the asks we have for legislators we are meeting with tomorrow. Some of these are repeated from the NCPA Congressional Fly In that I attended in April. To brush up on those, check out this previous blog: https://savannahcunningham.org/ncpa-congressional-fly-in-2019-legislative-priorities/
- HR1959: Preserving Patient Access to Compounded Medications Act. This bill was introduced last year as HR2871 with 62 cosponsors, and the exact same one is once again being considered. Basically, it clarifies aspects of DQSA that lead to patient access issues. Specifically, it aims to clarify the language of “office use” and “distributions,” looks at FDA inspection standards, and allowable bulk substances for compounding. To read the full text of the bill click here.
- The letter to FDA interim commissioner Ned Sharpless on the MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) regarding interstate distribution. This MOU is a major issue because there are about 20 states currently that can’t or won’t sign it due to administrative and budgetary concerns (as it is an unfunded mandate). If states don’t sign, then interstate distribution is limited to 5% of the total compounded medications. If they do sign, it is still limited to 50% of compounds. This is majorly limiting, especially because of the redefinition of the word “distribution” to include dispensing patient specific prescriptions. This letter is anchored by Welch and Griffith, and Senators Baldwin and Cassidy sent a similar letter on the Senate side last week. To read the letter click here.
We hope to find a lot of support tomorrow on Capitol Hill, and will continue advocating back at home as well!
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