The House of Representatives has passed bipartisan legislation authored by Rep. Peter Welch (D-VT) and Rep. Tom Marino (R-PA) to combat prescription drug abuse by improving the distribution process for prescription drugs. The legislation, which was unanimously approved on a voice vote, was cosponsored by Rep. Judy Chu (D-CA) and Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN).
The Ensuring Patient Access and Effective Drug Enforcement Act (H.R. 471) enhances collaboration between drug suppliers and regulators ensuring a more secure supply chain that protects the legitimate medication needs of patients.
“Prescription drug abuse is a major problem that has claimed and ruined many lives in Vermont and across our country,” said Rep. Welch. “This practical legislation will help keep dangerous drugs out of the wrong hands, while ensuring that seniors, cancer patients, and chronically ill individuals get the medications they need in a timely manner.”
The Ensuring Patient Access and Effective Drug Enforcement Act (H.R. 471) removes the current ambiguity in federal statutes on drug delivery guidelines and provides clear compliance instructions to both drug suppliers and the federal Drug Enforcement Agency. It also requires much greater collaboration and communication between drug suppliers and federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to ensure a timely response to this growing epidemic.
Identical legislation (S. 483) introduced by Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-UT) and Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) is awaiting action in the Senate.
Source: Welch. 4.22.2015