Congress passes Ensuring Patient Access Act

ARLINGTON, Va. – The U.S. House of Representatives on Tuesday passed the Ensuring Patient Access and Effective Drug Enforcement Act of 2016 (S. 483) in the same version passed by the Senate, making President Obama’s consideration and signature the final step before enactment.

 

The legislation, advocated by both retail pharmacy and the pharma industry, would advance collaboration among health and enforcement authorities to achieve drug abuse solutions that maintain patients’ legitimate access to medications.

 

The Senate passed S. 483 on March 17, 2016. The House previously passed a slightly different version one year ago – in April 2015.

 

“This legislation is consistent with NACDS’ position that the complexity of these issues demands a 100% commitment to patient care and a zero tolerance for abuse,” stated Steven Anderson, president and CEO of the National Association of Chain Drug Stores. 

 

“More than three years ago, HDMA’s pharmaceutical distributor members created the initial concept that later became the bill that was passed today," added John Gray, president and CEO for the Healthcare Distribution Management Association. "It has been gratifying to watch as the primary framework, initially advocated by our industry, and supported by patient, pharmacy and provider groups, gained champions in the House and Senate and evolved into full-fledged legislation that ultimately garnered bipartisan support.”   

 

NACDS has noted that the steady progress of the legislation in the Congress can be considered to be highly consistent with public attitudes. In an opinion study commissioned by NACDS last summer, likely voters who are engaged and aware when it comes to current events indicated through their responses an appreciation for the need to address drug abuse and drug access in a complementary manner.

 

Nearly 8-in-10 respondents agreed with the statement: “Pharmacies have a dual role when it comes to battling prescription drug abuse: They have to be part of the solution by working with law enforcement officials to stop prescription drug abuse, but they also have to maintain their responsibilities to patients by making sure they receive the medications they legitimately need.”

 

NACDS prepared a timeline of significant events related to this legislation’s journey through Congress.