AHA responds to Senate request for input on 340B program policies

AHA on July 21 submitted comments on how Congress can ensure that the 340B program continues to benefit patients and communities, while acting to prevent any cuts to the program that would jeopardize patient access to care. Responding to a bipartisan request by senators for input, AHA strongly urged that the Health Resources and Services Administration finalize its Administrative Dispute Resolution rule for the 340B program and explicitly state that the ADR process is an available forum for affected 340B hospitals to seek redress from restrictions targeted to community and specialty pharmacies. AHA also recommended that Congress require HRSA to increase its annual audits of drug companies in the 340B program, which average six per year compared with over 200 per year for 340B covered entities, and give hospitals and other covered entities the ability to audit drug manufacturers.