At the urging of ASA and other key stakeholders, the U.S. Congress and the Obama Administration are bringing enhanced focus to the critical public health issue of national drug shortages. On September 23, the House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee held a hearing on “Examining the Increase in Drug Shortages.” Among those testifying before the Congressional panel were members of the Drug Shortage Summit Legislative and Regulatory Work Group, a group of stakeholders initially co-convened by ASA in November of 2010 and currently functioning as an informal coalition to advance drug shortage solutions. Information about the hearing can be found here.
On Monday, September 26, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will hold a much anticipated public work shop on drug shortages. ASA physicians and staff have been working closely with the FDA on the program for the meeting. ASA Vice President for Scientific Affairs, Arnold Berry, M.D., will present a report on the impact drug shortages are having on anesthesiologists and their patients. In addition to Dr. Berry’s presentation, ASA will also present for the first time publicly the recommendations of the Drug Shortages Summit Legislative and Regulatory Work Group. The work group includes stakeholders from manufacturing, distributing and providers.
FDA has provided a link where the public can view the drug shortage work shop from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (EDT). ASA is scheduled to participate on a panel from 10:25-11:30 a.m. (EDT) and then again from 1:05-2:15 p.m. (EDT). Click here to access the event.
For more information on how the ASA leadership is addressing drug shortages, click here.