HDMA SUPPORTS THE COUNTERFEIT DRUG PREVENTION ACT OF 2007 AS A VITAL MEASURE TO FURTHER ENSURE PATIENT SAFETY, DETER
CRIMINAL COUNTERFEITING

HDMA Commends Congressmen Rogers (R-MI) and Green (D-TX) for Increasing Criminal Penalties for the Crime of Prescription Drug Counterfeiting

ARLINGTON, VA – Feb. 8, 2007 – The Healthcare Distribution Management Association (HDMA) supports the Counterfeit Drug Prevention Act of 2007 (HR 780), which significantly increases criminal penalties for counterfeiting patient medications from one to three years imprisonment, to 20 years or more. By introducing this legislation, Congress is taking a strong step forward to further deter criminal counterfeiters and enhance supply chain security.

The Counterfeit Drug Prevention Act of 2007 was introduced in the House of Representatives by Reps. Mike Rogers (R-MI) and Gene Green (D-TX).  The bill has been referred to the House Energy and Commerce Committee and the House Judiciary Committee. 

“Counterfeiting puts patient lives in jeopardy and will not be tolerated,” said HDMA President and CEO John M. Gray. “One of the most effective ways to deter dangerous counterfeiters is to increase criminal penalties so that the punishment fits the severity of the crime. I applaud Reps. Rogers and Green for introducing HR 780, and the nation’s primary, full-service distributors pledge to support this legislation and work toward its speedy enactment.”

HDMA has taken a strong stand to combat criminal counterfeiting, and believes HR 780 is an important step in an ongoing, multi-layered battle plan to further secure the supply chain and protect patient safety. Tough criminal penalties, however, are just one part of a comprehensive anti-counterfeiting strategy that must involve manufacturers, distributors and pharmacies.

HDMA has worked steadily with the Congress, states, FDA and supply chain partners for years to initiate and explore case studies to enhance the safety and integrity of the nation’s prescription medicine supply.  HDMA and its members have initiated industry working groups, new research and guidelines for operational improvements. These measure include:

• Stricter distributor licensing standards;
• Stricter, more uniform pedigree requirements to ensure consistency across the 50 states;
• Tougher regulation and stronger law enforcement;
• The adoption of current and emerging track and trace technologies, such as RFID;
• The development of new research and best business practices in the supply chain; and
• Purchasing products directly from the manufacturer and ensuring a strong chain of custody for medicines.

“HDMA members serve as the central link in a sophisticated supply chain. As such, we have a responsibility to work closely with government and our supply chain partners to safeguard patient health and ensure convicted criminals are punished to the fullest extent of the law,” continued Gray. “Patient safety is our members’ greatest concern, and we strongly support increased criminal penalties and additional, ongoing efforts to further secure the U.S. prescription medicine supply.”

About HDMA
The Healthcare Distribution Management Association (HDMA) and its members are committed to patient safety by delivering life-saving health products and services through a secure and efficient healthcare distribution system.  These primary, full-service healthcare distributors are responsible for ensuring that billions of units of medication are safely delivered -- to tens of thousands of retail pharmacies, nursing homes, clinics and providers -- in all 50 states. HDMA and its members are the vital link in the healthcare system that is responsible for medicine safety, quality, integrity and availability in the marketplace.  Through leadership on public policy and industry best practices, HDMA and its members focus on providing value, removing costs and developing innovative solutions to deliver care safely and effectively.  For more information, please visit www.HealthcareDistribution.org.