Since the early 2000s, there has been a steady increase in the amount of government activity that has directly affected healthcare stakeholders. Prior to this time-period, companies could afford to focus only on differentiating their products from their competitors. Now companies are finding that during their strategic planning meetings, they must account for how state and federal government activity may impact their bottom line. In addition to having a Government Affairs staff, these same companies are starting to realize the importance of having established a relationship with a lobbyist. The question is how do you find the right lobbyist for your organization?
Read MoreThe Pharmacy Benefit Manager Transparency Act of 2022 was introduced by Senate Commerce Science, and Transportation Committee Chair Maria Cantwell and Senate Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Chuck Grassley.
Read MoreCheck out our micro webinar on the upcoming FTC comment and period on pharmacy benefit managers.
Read MoreAccording to the Food and Drug Administration proposed rule, the (FDA) is “proposing national standards for the licensing of prescription drug wholesale distributors (“wholesale distributors” or “wholesale drug distributors”) and third-party logistics providers (“3PLs”), as directed under the Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA) (Title II of the Drug Quality and Security Act). Pursuant to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act), as amended by the DSCSA, the proposed rule would establish standards for all State and Federal licenses issued.”
Read MoreLanton Law spoke with Pharmacy Times about the possible market implications of the new Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company.
Read MoreGovernor Kathy Hochul has issued a press release announcing the enactment of S3762/A.1396 which provides for PBM registration and licensure.
Read MoreIn a recent press release Senator Wyden (D-OR) has sent a letter to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to according to “investigate recent consolidations in Oregon’s retail pharmacy market to assess whether large national pharmacy chains and health plans have acted to make this market less competitive.”
Read MoreCongress has introduced the CBD Product Safety and Standardization Act “that will establish federal standards for CBD food and beverage products to protect consumers and provide marketplace stability for farmers, producers, and retailers.”
Read MoreAccording to a December 1, 2021 press release, Representatives Carter (R-GA) and Gonzalez (D-TX) have reintroduced the Drug Price Transparency in Medicaid Act. The legislation “would limit the power of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) to artificially spike Medicaid drug prices. The Drug Price Transparency in Medicaid Act bans the use of spread pricing by middlemen (PBMs) in Medicaid managed care. PBMs drive up prescription drug costs without adding any value to the consumer.”
Read MoreThis week the 8th Circuit issued a decision in the case of Pharmaceutical Care Management Association v. Wehbi, which supported North Dakota’s legislative actions to regulate pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). PCMA v. Wehbi is the first case at the federal appellate level since the landmark Rutledge v. PCMA decision last year that upheld Arkansas law also regulating PBMs.
Read MoreAccording to the FDA’s press release, “The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the first interchangeable biosimilar product to treat certain inflammatory diseases.”
Read MoreThe House of Representatives has passed by voice vote an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) by adding the Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking Act to the legislation.
Read MoreOral arguments have been scheduled for September 1, 2021 at 2:00 PM CST for PCMA v. Wehbi. Earlier this year, the U.S. Supreme Court vacated this 8th Circuit case formerly known as Wilke v. PCMA.
Read MoreAccording to Governor Ned Lamont’s press release, the Governor has enacted a new law that legalizes and regulates adult-use cannabis in Connecticut. “The legislation Governor Lamont signed today is Senate Bill 1201. A proposal to legalize adult-use cannabis was initially put forward by Governor Lamont to the General Assembly earlier this year as Senate Bill 888. He also proposed similar legislation in February 2020 as Senate Bill 16.”
Read MoreVia a recently released a press release describing how a group of bipartisan Senators including Joe Manchin (D-WV), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), and Jerry Moran (R-KS) have introduced the bipartisan Protecting Rural Telehealth Access Act to make current telehealth flexibilities permanent.
Read MoreAt Lanton Law we are constantly on the watch for issues impacting our specialty, retail and LTC pharmacy clients including the issue of DIR fees. Clients utilize our advocacy and legal tools while discussing business strategy to combat an ever changing reimbursement environment.
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