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FEDERALhearing transcript
High Impact

Congressional Hearing on 340B Drug Pricing Program Improvements

Original title: OPPORTUNITIES TO IMPROVE THE 340B DRUG PRICING PROGRAM

January 1, 2019

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The Frame

What this does

The allows certain hospitals and clinics to purchase outpatient drugs at discounted prices, and this hearing explored how federal oversight and program rules impact the availability and cost of these medications for patients and healthcare providers.

Who is mentioned in the record

Potentially affected actors named in the source documents. Mention is not a position.

Hospitals and Clinics

These entities participate in the 340B program to purchase discounted outpatient drugs.

Drug Manufacturers

These companies are required by law to provide drugs at specific discounted rates to eligible 340B entities.

Patients

Patients receiving care at 340B-eligible facilities may be impacted by how these facilities manage drug pricing and program participation.

What changed

Last recorded activity January 1, 2019.

What's next

Next step not available in the current record.

Summary

The House Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on July 11, 2018, to examine potential improvements to the 340B Drug Pricing Program. The session included testimony from government accountability officials, hospital administrators, and pharmacy experts regarding the program's operations and oversight.

Why It Matters

The allows certain hospitals and clinics to purchase outpatient drugs at discounted prices, and this hearing explored how federal oversight and program rules impact the availability and cost of these medications for patients and healthcare providers.

Key Facts

  • The hearing took place on July 11, 2018, in the Rayburn House Office Building.
  • The hearing focused on identifying opportunities to improve the 340B Drug Pricing Program.
  • Testimony was provided by representatives from the U.S. Government Accountability Office, Texas Oncology, Parkland Hospital, and the University of California, San Diego.
  • Numerous organizations submitted written statements, including the Association of American Medical Colleges, 340B Health, and the Children's Hospital Association.
  • The Community Oncology Alliance submitted an article regarding alleged abuse of the 340B program.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 340B Drug Pricing Program?
It is a federal program that requires drug manufacturers to provide outpatient drugs to eligible healthcare organizations at significantly reduced prices.
Who testified at this hearing?
Witnesses included Debra Draper (GAO), Debra Patt (Texas Oncology), Frederick Cerise (Parkland Hospital), and Charles Daniels (UC San Diego).

News Coverage

No news coverage found yet. Articles are indexed twice daily.

Sponsors

Discoveries

Patterns POLISCOPE noticed across the record. These are observations to investigate, not conclusions.

policy shift80% confidence

Focus on Program Oversight

The hearing highlights a shift toward increased scrutiny of the 340B program's operational integrity and potential for abuse.

Connected Entities

organizationSubcommittee on HealthThe congressional body conducting the hearing.Map →
personFrederick CerisePresident and CEO of Parkland Hospital.Map →
personCharles DanielsPharmacist-in-Chief and Associate Dean at UC San Diego.Map →
personDebra PattExecutive Vice President of Texas Oncology.Map →
personDebra DraperDirector of the Health Care Team at the U.S. Government Accountability Office.Map →

Sources

Open source document

www.govinfo.gov

Analysis Score

0–100
  • Significance75
    How much this matters to a regular citizen
  • Controversy65
    Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
  • Entertainment10
    Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
  • Buzz20
    Current news / social attention level

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