Sixteen Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives are urging HHS to change a CMS regulation that prohibits multiple use of vials labeled for single use.
Safe handling of single-dose/single-use vials has been part of Standard Precautions since 2007. The CMS regulation is intended to prevent healthcare-associated infections. However, the U.S. representatives argue the requirement increases healthcare costs without improving healthcare quality.
"This guideline is requiring physicians to discard unused medication in the name of safety even though it increases expenses exponentially and scientific evidence does not validate this claim," the letter said. "At a time when drug shortages are being reported nationwide and the federal government is under extreme budgetary stress, we should not be implementing policies that promote waste and inefficiency in our healthcare system."
The House members who signed the letter to HHS include Dan Benishek, MD (R-Mich.), Brian Bilbray (R-Calif.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Michael Burgess, MD (R-Texas), Bill Cassidy, MD (R-La.), Geoff Davis (R-Ky.), Brett Guthrie (R-Ky.), Andy Harris, MD (R-Md.), Billy Long (R-Mo.), Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.), Devin Nunes (R-Calif.), Ron Paul, MD (R-Texas), Phil Roe (R-Tenn.), Mike Rogers (R-Mich.) and David Schweikert (R-Ariz.).
Safe handling of single-dose/single-use vials has been part of Standard Precautions since 2007. The CMS regulation is intended to prevent healthcare-associated infections. However, the U.S. representatives argue the requirement increases healthcare costs without improving healthcare quality.
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"This guideline is requiring physicians to discard unused medication in the name of safety even though it increases expenses exponentially and scientific evidence does not validate this claim," the letter said. "At a time when drug shortages are being reported nationwide and the federal government is under extreme budgetary stress, we should not be implementing policies that promote waste and inefficiency in our healthcare system."
The House members who signed the letter to HHS include Dan Benishek, MD (R-Mich.), Brian Bilbray (R-Calif.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Michael Burgess, MD (R-Texas), Bill Cassidy, MD (R-La.), Geoff Davis (R-Ky.), Brett Guthrie (R-Ky.), Andy Harris, MD (R-Md.), Billy Long (R-Mo.), Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.), Devin Nunes (R-Calif.), Ron Paul, MD (R-Texas), Phil Roe (R-Tenn.), Mike Rogers (R-Mich.) and David Schweikert (R-Ariz.).
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