McMorris Rodgers releases bill discussion draft addressing U.S. drug shortages

U.S. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) recently released a discussion draft of the Stop Drug Shortages Act, which includes several provisions that would address America’s prescription drug shortages. 

“America is the leader in developing innovative treatments and cures,” Sen. McMorris Rodgers said. “Yet the economics of our convoluted health care system create shortages — particularly of low-cost and generic drugs — that harm patients in need.”

Rep. McMorris Rodgers, as chair of the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee, in June joined U.S. Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Mike Crapo (R-ID) on behalf of their committee members to unveil a bicameral Request for Information (RFI) seeking information from subject matter experts and stakeholders regarding the nationwide increase in drug shortages. 

“The responses to our RFI on addressing drug shortages overwhelmingly made clear that we need to address the root causes of shortages with a multifaceted approach,” said Rep. McMorris Rodgers on Friday. “This discussion draft is part of our committee’s thoughtful, deliberative process to offer long-term solutions to these issues so that patients can access the drugs they need. 

“I hope this draft will lead to bipartisan legislation, and I welcome feedback and collaboration from my colleagues across the aisle and chamber, stakeholders, and subject matter experts,” the congresswoman added. 

According to a summary of the Stop Drug Shortages Act discussion draft, the bill would aim to provide market flexibility by giving manufacturers of generic, sterile injectable drugs for serious diseases, such as cancer treatments, more flexibility to respond to market pressures so they can invest in manufacturing and ramp up production when potential shortage situations arise.

The bill also would increase disclosure requirements on group purchasing organizations that control bulk contracts between drug manufacturers and healthcare providers, according to the discussion draft. And it would require the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to exercise the reporting requirement authorities it already possesses, includes reporting on certain active pharmaceutical ingredient metrics for generics.

Additionally, the bill would require a government watchdog to examine how policies interact with drugs that have experienced shortages within the past decade, the discussion draft says.

Rep. McMorris Rodgers said comments or feedback on the draft are being accepted until Aug. 25.