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HDMA’s Position:
HDMA strongly supports tough, rigorous and consistent standards for state licensing of healthcare distributors as required under federal law. Having strong, consistent distributor licensing is a critical component in ensuring that criminals do not infiltrate the supply chain and gain access to prescription medicines. HDMA continues to work with supply chain partners and state and federal officials to develop uniform legislation and regulations pertaining to licensure.
Specifically, HDMA advocates for the following licensure requirements that we believe help deter and prevent the infiltration of counterfeit drugs into this industry:
- Stringent application requirements;
- Pre-licensure and regular inspections;
- Surety bonds;
- Criminal background checks;
- Stronger penalties; and
- Technological solutions to pedigree.
Issue:
The introduction of counterfeit or adulterated medicines into the supply chain is a serious issue that could adversely affect the safety of prescription medicines and the health of patients. HDMA and its member companies support uniform licensing standards that prevent the entry of unscrupulous or criminal elements, address the roles and responsibilities of distributors in the supply chain and provide accountability for their business practices. We are committed to a business model that maintains the safety and integrity of the prescription drug products that patients depend on for their health and well-being.
Additional Information:
HDMA has proactively worked with all 36 states that have strengthened their distributor licensure requirements in recent years. In 2008 alone, 19 states developed legislative and/or regulatory requirements. However, each state has focused on different aspects of this critical issue and there is little uniformity in bills or regulations across the states.
About HDMA
HDMA is the national association representing primary healthcare distributors, the vital link in the healthcare system. Each business day, HDMA member companies ensure that more than nine million prescription medicines and healthcare products are safely delivered to more than 165,000 pharmacies, hospitals, nursing homes, physician offices, clinics and others nationwide. HDMA and its members work daily to provide value and contain costs, saving the nation's healthcare system an estimated $32 billion per year.
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