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A surprise drug policy on the congressional agenda

There’s a lot of talk about drug pricing on Capitol Hill right now, but drug shortages are quickly becoming another top tier issue for lawmakers. Reps. Anna Eshoo (D-Calif.), Diana DeGette (D-Colo.) and Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) all have said they’ll use their respective committee leadership positions to tackle drug shortages.  

Congress hasn’t taken up the issue in earnest since 2011, when lawmakers in both chambers held a series of hearings on it. The ultimate legislative solution — a requirement that drug makers notify the FDA of potential shortages — was very modest. It’s unclear whether Congress will coalesce around bolder policy options this time around, or even why the issue is suddenly getting so much attention.

There’s no shortage of ideas on how Congress can tackle the issue. (Zing!) Among the options: strengthening the existing notification requirement; requiring drug makers to disclose the location of their manufacturing facilities; directing national security agencies to assess the impact of shortages on national security; and allowing the Federal Trade Commission to review risks of shortages when considering drug company mergers.