House passes bill to curb prescription drug abuse, diversion

The House of Representatives approved legislation on Tuesday that was co-sponsored by Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) to push back on prescription drug abuse and diversion.

Blackburn, the vice chairwoman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, co-authored the Ensuring Patient Access to Effective Drug Enforcement Act with Reps. Tom Marino (R-Pa.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and Judy Chu (D-Calif.), according to a press release.

“Prescription drug abuse is an epidemic that is killing tens of thousands of Americans each year,” Blackburn said. “It is a problem that is in great need of a solution. That is why I worked with my colleagues Tom Marino, Peter Welch and Judy Chu, in sponsoring this bipartisan legislation to facilitate greater collaboration between industry stakeholders and regulators in our nation’s effort to combat prescription drug abuse, while also ensuring that patients who need medication are able to receive it.”

The measure would open channels of communication between drug manufacturers, wholesalers, retail pharmacies and federal enforcement and oversight agencies.

“Simply acknowledging the epidemic of prescription drug abuse isn’t enough,” Blackburn said. “Congress has a responsibility to make sure the law is crystal clear for both DEA and legitimate businesses who want to understand what the rules are so they can do the right thing. That is why I am so pleased the House has acted today on our legislation that seeks to ensure the prescription drug supply chain is safe and secure for the patients that truly rely upon it to alleviate pain and treat illnesses.”