Rep. Jo Ann Emerson, R-MO, on July 28 introduced the Safety Net Inpatient Drug Affordability Act (H.R. 3547), American Hospital Association-backed legislation that would expand the 340B drug discount program for certain safety net hospitals to include inpatient drugs and critical access hospitals. The program allows eligible safety net providers to buy drugs for patient use at a significant discount, on average about 50% less than average wholesale prices. However, it's currently limited to outpatient drugs and excludes critical access hospitals. "This legislation would further strengthen the viability of these vital health care providers," said Anne Ubl, AHA's vice president for legislative affairs. (via AHA News)
