This bill establishes clear standards for coordinated contact between federal agencies and the private entities within the prescription drug supply chain to alleviate prescription drug abuse.
The goal is that through stricter enforcement of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), the legitimate access to medication by patients is not unnecessarily interrupted.
For pharmaceutical distributors and pharmacists who have violated regulations, this legislation gives them an opportunity to correct their mistakes before having their registration revoked or suspended.
A report would also be created to assess "how patient access to medications could be adversely impacted by Federal and State law enforcement activities," and identify "how collaboration between [drug enforcement] agencies and stakeholders can benefit patients and prevent diversion and abuse of controlled substances." The report will incorporate feedback from a workgroup comprised of:
- Patient groups;
- Pharmacies;
- Drug Manufacturers;
- Common or contract carriers and warehouse workers;
- Hospitals, physicians, and other health care providers;
- State Attorney Generals
- Law enforcement officials and officers
- Health benefit plans and pharmacy benefit management services;
- Wholesale drug distributors.
Crime & Police
Legal Affairs
