The AHA today expressed support for the Closing Loopholes for Orphan Drugs Act, H.R. 4538, bipartisan legislation that would limit the “orphan drug” exclusion for 340B Drug Pricing Program rural and cancer hospitals. Specifically, the legislation would allow 340B critical access hospitals, sole community providers, rural referral centers and free-standing cancer hospitals to purchase orphan drugs at discounted rates through the 340B program as long as the orphan drug is used to treat illnesses or conditions other than the rare illnesses or conditions for which the orphan drug designation was originally given. “In an era of ever increasing prescription drug costs, this bill is an important step to ensure 340B hospitals subject to the orphan drug exclusion can obtain lifesaving drugs at a much needed discount so they can stretch limited resources to better serve their communities,” AHA wrote in a letter of support to Reps. Peter Welch, D-V.T., and David McKinley, R-W.Va., the bill’s sponsors.

Related News Articles

Headline
The AHA encourages hospitals and health systems that are committed to leadership and innovation in improving quality and advancing health to apply for its 2026…
Headline
The AHA July 2 expressed support for the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act (H.R. 3890), bipartisan legislation that would add 14,000 Medicare-funded…
Headline
The House July 3 voted 218-214 to pass the final version of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1), which enacts many of President Trump’s legislative…
Headline
The American Society for Health Care Engineering July 1 announced 87 health care facilities as winners of the 2025 Energy to Care Sustainability Champions…
Headline
The U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee June 30 denied a motion for a preliminary injunction by AbbVie in its lawsuit against the state’s…
Headline
The Senate narrowly passed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1) on July 1 by a 50-50 tally, with Vice President J.D. Vance casting the tie-breaking vote.…