Companion legislation to 'Ensuring Patient Access' bill introduced in Senate
Sen. Sheldon Whitehoue, D-R.I.
WASHINGTON ― Sens. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, and Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., on Thursday introduced companion legislation to House bill H.R. 471 to help foster more collaborative partnerships between industry and regulators in an effort to prevent prescription drug abuse or diversion, but at the same time maintain appropriate patient access to necessary medications.
“A strong, collaborative relationship between the nation’s pharmaceutical supply chain and enforcement agencies ― such as the Drug Enforcement Administration ― is critical to the ability of our country to help mitigate prescription drug abuse and diversion," stated HDMA president and CEO John Gray. "The bipartisan legislation introduced by Sens. Hatch and Whitehouse is an important step forward in achieving this goal, by promoting transparency in the fight against abuse and diversion. It is HDMA’s hope and expectation that this Senate bill will have the same broad support and momentum that the House legislation currently enjoys.”
Earlier this year, Reps. Tom Marino, R-Pa., Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., Peter Welch, D-Vt., and Judy Chu, D-Calif., introduced similar legislation in the House.