WASHINGTON — Ten NACDS board of directors members met with key members of Congress in Washington, D.C. this week. The meetings focused on conveying the urgent need for direct and indirect remuneration (DIR) fee relief. The timing was ideal, given that decisions are being made now about drug-pricing legislation.
ARLINGTON, Va. – Pharmacy “DIR fees” that have exploded by 45,000 percent from 2010 to 2017 are inflating seniors’ out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs and forcing pharmacies out of business. These pharmacy “direct and indirect remuneration” (DIR) fees must be addressed in drug-pricing legislation. That message about DIR fees is the subject of a new cable, broadcast and
ARLINGTON, Va.— The National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) on Monday praised Missouri’s enactment of SB 514, which requires electronic prescriptions for controlled substances, with specified exceptions, effective January 1, 2021. The measure is vital for helping to address the opioid-abuse epidemic by reducing fraud and abuse. Missouri Gov. Mike Parson (R) signed the
Chain drug retailing has thus far largely escaped the repercussions of the opioid epidemic, an ongoing tragedy which has seen so many people become addicted to pharmaceutical products that, when taken as prescribed and properly managed, can bring needed relief to patients with serious illnesses or injuries. Several of America’s most prominent pharmaceutical houses have
ARLINGTON, Va. — NACDS Thursday praised Delaware’s enactment of HB 115, which requires podiatrists, dentists, doctors, nurses and optometrists who issue prescriptions to utilize electronic prescriptions except under certain exceptions. The measure is vital for helping to address the opioid-abuse epidemic by reducing fraud and abuse. Delaware Gov. John Carney (D) signed the bill today,
ARLINGTON, Va. — The bipartisanship of the John S. McCain Opioid Addiction Prevention Act (S. 724/H.R. 1614) is matched by its diverse support among addiction experts, pain management specialists, patient advocates and pharmacies, as indicated by a letter from 42 entities – and growing – to members of the U.S. Congress. American Society of Addiction
ARLINGTON, Va. — NACDS Tuesday praised Kansas’ enactment of an electronic prescribing bill (HB 2119) that would require all prescriptions for controlled substances in Schedules II-V that contain an opiate to be submitted electronically, which will help in the fight against opioid abuse. Enacted in April, Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly (D) held a ceremonial bill
WASHINGTON — The Leadership Committee of American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) and the ASAE Foundation has selected Steven Anderson, president and chief executive officer, National Association of Chain Drug Stores as their new secretary-treasurer. This volunteer officer role places Anderson in line ultimately to serve as ASAE’s chairman. Anderson currently serves on ASAE’s board
WASHINGTON — Nearly a quarter of the House of Representatives – 105 members – has sent a letter to President Donald Trump noting the “missed opportunity” to reduce seniors’ out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs. This missed opportunity occurred when pharmacy direct and indirect remuneration (DIR) fee reform was excluded from a recent Medicare rule. The legislators,
ARLINGTON, Va. — NACDS Tuesday praised Texas’ enactment of a bill (HB 2174) to address opioid abuse and addiction, while providing key safeguards to address the needs of those suffering from chronic pain. Specifically, the new law will require electronic prescribing for controlled substances, to help prevent fraud and abuse. It also will limit the
ARLINGTON, Va. — On Tuesday the NACDS praised Nevada’s enactment of an electronic prescribing bill (AB 310) that would require prescriptions for controlled substances, including opioids, to be submitted electronically, which will help in the fight against opioid abuse. Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak (D) signed the bill into law June 7, and it will become
WASHINGTON — Action by the Trump Administration, Congress or both is needed now to provide relief from pharmacy direct and indirect remuneration (DIR) fees that inflate drug costs paid by patients and the government, and that force pharmacies to fill Medicare prescriptions often below cost. That was the message delivered Monday in a letter to
ARLINGTON, Va. – 2019 NACDS Total Store Expo (NACDS TSE) attendees will hear from former Secretary of State and five-term U.S. Senator John Kerry at the always-anticipated Sunday Business Program. In his more than three decades of public service, Kerry has earned respect around the globe. He also is one of the most iconic political
ARLINGTON, Va. — Already over the past week, NACDS RxIMPACT grassroots advocates have sent more than 4,700 letters to Congress. Their case is crucial: DIR relief is needed now for pharmacies’ viability and to reduce out-of-pocket drug costs for patients. The absolute urgency and necessity of DIR fee relief needs to be conveyed now. Congressional
