Returns Task Force
The mission of the HDMA Returns Task Force (RTF) is to identify best practices and develop recommendations for actions that address key issues and improve processes and technology efficiencies for returned and/or unsaleable healthcare products.  Recommendations will be intended to guide distributors, manufacturers, healthcare providers and service providers in the reduction of total supply chain costs associated with returns and unsaleables while preserving or improving the safety and security of the healthcare products supply chain.

The RTF is comprised of representatives from the major segments of the healthcare distribution industry, including:  manufacturers and distributors of healthcare products and service providers to the healthcare products supply chain.  When the project scope calls for a broader perspective, the RTF encourages review and participation from healthcare dispersers as well.

An initial kick-off meeting was held in November 2005, and subsequently met in March 2006 where three (3) project teams were formed to develop industry best practices in three area of reverse distribution:

• Snapshot of Returned Goods and Manufacturer Policies
• HDMA Recall & Withdrawal Notification Guidelines
• HDMA Returns Logistics Practices
  • Draft Standardized Debit Memo Templates for Review and Comment by August 2008
    • Reverse Logistics - Debit Memo Data Synchronization Presentation from HDMA DMC June 2008

The task force recognizes that each supply chain member must develop its own, individualized returns policies, and must individually choose how to deal and contract with its industry partners, suppliers and customers. The RTF recognizes that many of the issues surrounding returned products are perceived differently, depending on one’s position in the supply chain.  However, the RTF also believes that all within the supply chain agree upon three fundamental principles: 

• Assuring the safety, security and integrity of drug products in the supply chain is critical.
• Reduction in the quantity of returns at the source is advantageous to all within the supply chain
• Control of the disposition or final destination of the return is important.

Therefore, the Returns Task Force intends to focus upon these three important principles in developing any best practices or templates for processing returned healthcare products.



General Information:
Task Force Roster (PDF: 80K)

Task Force Coordinator:
Marjorie DePuy

Task Force Administrator:
Jayne Tobin