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HDMA SUPPORTS THE COUNTERFEIT DRUG PREVENTION ACT OF 2009 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 – March 18, 2009 –The Healthcare Distribution Management Association (HDMA) supports the Counterfeit Drug Prevention Act of 2009 (H.R. 1450), 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.
“Counterfeiting medicines 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 Representatives Rogers and Green for introducing H.R. 1450. 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 H.R. 1450 is an important step in developing ongoing, multi-layered initiatives 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 many years 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 measures include:
- Stricter distributor licensing standards;
- Uniform pedigree requirements to ensure consistency across the 50 states; and
- Tougher regulation and stronger law enforcement.
“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.”
The Counterfeit Drug Prevention Act of 2009 was introduced in the House of Representatives by Representatives 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.
About HDMA
The Healthcare Distribution Management Association (HDMA) is the national association representing primary, full-service healthcare distributors. Each business day, the member companies of HDMA are responsible for ensuring that more than eight million prescription medicines and healthcare products are safely delivered to 145,000 pharmacies, hospitals, nursing homes, physician offices, clinics, government and other providers in all 50 states. This essential public health function is provided with tremendous efficiency, saving the nation’s healthcare system nearly $32 billion each year. HDMA and its members are the vital link in the healthcare system, working daily to provide value, remove costs and develop innovative solutions to deliver care safely and effectively.
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