Rep. Chu Statement in Support of the Ensuring Patient Access and Effective Drug Enforcement Act

Washington, D.C. – Today, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 471, the Ensuring Patient Access and Effective Drug Enforcement Act, introduced by Reps. Judy Chu (D-CA), Pete Welch (D-VT), Rep. Tom Marino (R-PA), and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN). The bill was passed unanimously by a voice vote. Rep. Chu made the following statement of support on the floor of the House:

“Prescription drugs improve the quality of life for millions of Americans. They treat illnesses, alleviate pain, and help cure disease. But, the ease of abuse has turned a solution into problem. Each year nearly 15,000 overdose deaths are attributed to prescription pain relievers -- more than heroin and cocaine combined. Our government and private entities in the prescription drug supply chain must do what they can to prevent drug abuse and diversion.

“At the same time, we must ensure that pharmacists, who are our nation’s most accessible healthcare providers, are able to dispense drugs to patients who are in legitimate need and have proper prescriptions without groundless disruptions.

“The bi-partisan bill we vote on today, that I’m proud to have introduced with my colleagues, would do just that. Our bill encourages collaboration between stakeholders and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to ensure effective enforcement of abuse while also ensuring that patients will continue to have safe access to the drugs they need.

“This will lead to fewer disruptions for pharmacists and in turn, ensure that patients will not be left behind.

“I urge an ‘aye’ vote.”

The bill can be found here.