Us Congress House Bill HB1393

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/7/23
• Refer: 3/7/23
• Refer: 3/17/23

Caption

To amend the Controlled Substances Act to define currently accepted medical use with severe restrictions, and for other purposes.

Impact

This bill will modify existing federal drug laws by creating clearer pathways for the approval and usage of drugs deemed as breakthrough therapies. This approach could facilitate faster access to medications that may be beneficial for serious or life-threatening conditions when no satisfactory alternatives exist. Supporters argue that this could significantly improve patient care and treatment outcomes, particularly for those suffering from severe illnesses. However, such modifications also come with the challenge of ensuring that proper safety and efficacy measures remain intact during the drug approval process.

Summary

House Bill 1393 aims to amend the Controlled Substances Act by defining 'currently accepted medical use with severe restrictions' for certain drugs and substances. The bill specifies that a drug or substance can be classified as having currently accepted medical use under strict conditions, particularly relating to its designation as a breakthrough therapy or its authorization for expanded access by the Secretary of Health and Human Services. These changes intend to streamline the classification of drugs that offer potential therapeutic benefits under specific regulatory frameworks.

Contention

Notably, opposition to the bill may arise from concerns about the broader implications of loosening restrictions on controlled substances. Critics might argue that, while aimed at improving patient access to potentially life-saving drugs, the changes could also lead to misuse or inappropriate distribution of substances that currently have strict regulations. There is a delicate balance between facilitating medical use and maintaining control over potentially harmful drugs, making this a point of contention in discussions surrounding HB 1393.