Bill to prevent drug shortages introduced in House

Colorado Representative Diana DeGette (D) introduced legislation last week (H.R. 2245, Preserving Access to Life-Saving Medications Act of 2011) that would give the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tools to better manage drug shortages and prevent them in the future. H.R. 2245 would also require drug makers to notify the FDA of any event that could cause a shortage. The FDA says that drug shortages have tripled in the last six years. Please contact Jen Dunn at jd@coruralhelath.org if your hospital, clinic, or community pharmacy is experiencing drug shortages or having difficulties locating appropriate substitutes