Federal Legislative Update: Prescription Drug Affordability Coalition

MAAPC has endorsed the Prescription Drug Affordability Resolution. Here is an update:

FROM: Vinny DeMarco, Prescription Drug Affordability Coalition

 

Federal District Court Judge Marvin Garbis recently rejected the drug corporations’ attempt to block implementation of a new prescription drug price gouging law, so it went into effect on October 1, 2017.

 

The Judge also granted the Attorney General’s Motion to Dismiss the complaint that the law violates the federal commerce clause but he did ask for more information from both sides on the issue of whether or not the law should be declared void for vagueness. 

 

The Office of the Attorney General is responding to the Judge’s request and in addition is defending the law in the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals to which the drug corporations have appealed the Judge’s decision. 

 

The Prescription Drug Affordability Coalition will be filing an Amicus brief in support of the Attorney General in the Fourth Circuit.  They commend Attorney General Frosh and his staff on the great job they have done and are confident that they will ultimately fully prevail and keep the life saving law in effect.

 

Meanwhile, please help the Prescription Drug Affordability Coalition get the message out about the new law by spreading the word about their website, www.healthcareforall.com/hearmystory, where people can let them know (in English or Spanish) about how escalating prescription drug prices have hurt them or their families.

We will keep you posted,

Elaine Crain

MAAPC President

MAAPC is not only your leading source for affordable, local continuing education; we are also the lead association in legislative and regulatory changes that benefit Maryland Advanced Practice Nurses.