NACDS continues support of drug safety bill

ALEXANDRIA, Va. An organization representing the nation's drug stores praised a House subcommittee's legislation that related to the safety of prescription drugs and the security of the drug supply chain.

The National Association of Chain Drug Stores responded Tuesday to a "discussion draft" of drug safety legislation advocated by Reps. John Dingell, D-Mich.; Henry Waxman, D-Calif.; Frank Pallone, D-N.J.; and Bart Stupak, D-Mich., all of whom are members of the House of Representatives' Energy and Commerce Committee.

NACDS supported such provisions of the bill as the inclusion of increasing inspections of producers of drugs and active ingredients inside and outside of the United States; requiring parity between foreign and domestic inspections; prohibiting the entry of drugs that lack appropriate safety documentation; and requiring that manufacturers have quality risk management plans.

“Pharmacy is committed to supporting efforts to maintain and enhance the quality and safety of our nation’s drug supply. Nothing is more important to pharmacy than the health and safety of patients, and we take this obligation very seriously,” said NACDS president and CEO Steve Anderson. “This draft bill includes a focus on strong steps that would be effective in further enhancing prescription drug safety. NACDS thanks these leaders of the House Energy and Commerce Committee for their vigilance, and NACDS will remain actively engaged in the discussion and work of advancing patient safety, a top priority of pharmacy.”