The New Compounding Law and Community Pharmacy’s Future

B. Douglas Hoey, RPh, MBA, Chief Executive Officer, National Community Pharmacists Association

Published Online: Thursday, January 16, 2014 

 

   A whirlwind year-long legislative process to enact compounding reform recently concluded with Congress’ passage of a compounding and prescription drug supply chain integrity bill known as The Drug Quality and Security Act (H.R. 3204). It is milestone legislation worth reflecting on both for its own merits as well as for the lessons it holds for the future of community pharmacy. Pharmacists, like the rest of the nation, were appalled by the tragic 2012 meningitis outbreak originating from the New England Compounding Center (NECC) that has been attributed to more than 60 deaths and the sickening of hundreds more. In the tragedy’s aftermath, Congress held hearings and rightfully demanded action. National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) members and staff participated in dozens of calls and meetings with lawmakers and their staffs throughout 2013 to educate them on pharmacy compounding. Despite these extensive efforts, deeply flawed legislation, S. 959, was on the cusp of passage - See more