ASA Meets With GAO Investigators on Drug Shortages

On Friday, June 24, staff from the Government Accountability Office (GAO), who are conducting a study of drug shortages, interviewed ASA President Mark A. Warner, M.D., ASA Vice President of Scientific Affairs Arnold J. Berry, M.D., M.P.H., and ASA staff.  Senators Blumenthal (D-CT), Casey (D-PA), and Harkin (D-IA) requested the GAO investigate drug shortages.  At ASA’s 2011 Legislative Conference, Senator Blumenthal announced that the GAO had agreed to open an investigation. 

The interview provided ASA with an opportunity to outline the impact the drug shortages are having on patients as well as the increased cost to the healthcare system.  ASA was able to outline some of the potential causes of the drug shortages as well as recommend some actions that might help alleviate drug shortages.

“Dr. Arnold Berry, our Washington staff members, and I greatly appreciated the opportunity to discuss with GAO staff the negative impact these shortages are having on patients across the United States,” said ASA President Mark A. Warner, M.D.  “The GAO’s willingness to meet with the ASA is a testament to the great work ASA members and staff are performing in attempting to find remedies to the growing number of drug shortages.  I believe this GAO investigation will move us closer to alleviating these drug shortages that are harming patients and increasing healthcare costs.”

The GAO report is expected to be published this fall.