AHA comments on SECURE 340B Act

The AHA Sept. 23 submitted comments on the Strengthening the Exercise of Controls and Upgrading Requirements for Efficiency in 340B Act (SECURE 340B Act). The bill, which was introduced in July by Reps. Scott Peters, D-Calif., John Joyce, R-Pa., Jake Auchincloss, D-Mass., Dan Crenshaw, R-Texas, and Nanette Barragán. D-Calif., would make significant statutory changes to the 340B Drug Pricing Program.

“We appreciate your bipartisan leadership and continued recognition of the 340B program as a vital resource for patients and providers,” the AHA said. “The SECURE 340B Act includes provisions that address important concerns, including manufacturer restrictions on contract pharmacies, payer and [pharmacy benefit manager] discriminatory practices, HRSA oversight capacity and the need for clear federal standards. At the same time, several provisions would benefit from revision to ensure that new requirements are workable, appropriately balanced and do not unintentionally reduce access to medications, outpatient services or other essential care supported by 340B savings.”