Essential Medicines Strategic Stockpile Act of 2023 This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to create a pilot program to test the effectiveness of acquiring, maintaining, managing, and distributing a stockpile of generic drugs at risk of shortage. To carry out the pilot program, HHS must enter into contracts for a term of up to three years with drug manufacturers, co-op or chain pharmacy warehouses, or other eligible entities to create a six-month stockpile of up to 50 types of such drugs. The bill establishes various program requirements, including annual evaluations by the Government Accountability Office.
Impact
The implementation of HB 405 would introduce significant amendments to current public health policy regarding drug supply management. By creating stockpiles of specific generic drugs, the bill directly addresses ongoing and future drug shortages, thus enhancing access for patients in need. The cost associated with this initiative is estimated at around $120 million across fiscal years 2024 to 2026, funded through appropriations allocated specifically for this purpose. Regular evaluations mandated by the Government Accountability Office would also facilitate oversight and ensure effective management of the stockpile program.
Summary
House Bill 405, titled the 'Essential Medicines Strategic Stockpile Act of 2023,' aims to establish a pilot program under the Public Health Service Act to ensure a reliable supply of generic drugs that may face shortages. It seeks to create a federal stockpile of these drugs, mandating that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) enter contracts with eligible entities, including drug manufacturers and pharmacy warehouses, to acquire and manage the stockpile. The program will focus on ensuring that the stockpile contains at least a six-month supply of up to 50 essential generic drugs for distribution across the United States.
Contention
Although the bill has multiple proponents, potential contention may arise regarding the procurement process and regulations around the management of stockpiled drugs. Concerns about the selection criteria for the drugs included in the stockpile, as well as the capacity of eligible entities to fulfill their obligations, are key points that may invoke debate during its consideration. Additionally, there may be discussions about how government contracts will affect market competition, especially pertaining to the entities that are awarded contracts to manage and supply these medications.
Real Justice for Our Veterans Act of 2023 This bill expands data collection on the effectiveness of veteran treatment court programs, incentivizes local governments to improve retention rates in veteran treatment court programs and drug court programs, and expands options for veterans to participate in drug court programs. First, the bill requires the Department of Justice (DOJ) to report on the effectiveness of veteran treatment court programs. The report must assess the population served by the programs, whether the programs use evidence-based treatments, the recidivism rates of participants, and program completion rates. The report must also assess whether women and racial and ethnic minorities have equal access to the programs and an equal opportunity to participate. Second, the bill requires DOJ's Bureau of Justice Assistance to implement a pilot program to make grants for local governments to improve retention in veteran treatment court programs and drug court programs. Finally, this bill allows a veteran (including a veteran who is a violent offender) to participate in a drug court program instead of a veteran treatment court program if a jurisdiction does not operate a veteran treatment court program.
Educational Opportunity and Success Act of 2023 This bill reauthorizes through FY2029 and otherwise revises TRIO programs. (These outreach and student-services programs identify and provide services to students from disadvantaged backgrounds.) Among other revisions to the programs, the bill prohibits the Department of Education (ED) from rejecting TRIO grant applications based on certain errors; requires ED to provide additional technical assistance to interested grant applicants; revises the outcome criteria for measuring the quality and effectiveness of the programs, including those programs specifically designed for veterans; allows program administrators to use a student's most recent Free Application for Federal Student Aid to determine TRIO program eligibility; and increases the maximum stipend for students participating in the Upward Bound Program or the Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program.
Drug Pricing Transparency and Accountability Act This bill establishes a two-year moratorium on allowing new, non-rural hospitals and associated child sites to participate in the 340B drug pricing program; during the moratorium, the Department of Health and Human Services must issue regulations with specified program eligibility standards. The bill also requires additional reporting relating to program participation, eligibility, and costs.