<p><em style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #666666;">By Steven C. Anderson, IOM, CAE</em><br style="color: #666666; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;" />
<em style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #666666;">NACDS President and CEO</em></p>
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<p>The Congressional Research Service issued a new <a href="https://www.nacds.org/ceo/2014/0529/CRS_Drug_Abuse_Report.pdf">report</a> last week that includes an important statement: “Federal policy on PCS
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<p>At least two things can be said about that statement. First, it articulates the way things should be. But, second, it probably overstates the degree to which the government is pursuing this dual responsibility.</p>
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<p>The Congressional Research Service is a nonpartisan and objective arm of the Library of Congress that analyzes issues for legislators’ consideration. Its inclusion of this statement in its report on prescription drug abuse shows progress in telling both sides of this complex issue. However, much more needs to be done to ensure legitimate access to these medications for patients.</p>
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<p>That is one of the reasons that this week’s “mark-up” – or bill-writing session – by the Health Subcommittee of the House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee is so important. The Subcommittee adapted and approved the Ensuring Patient Access and Effective Drug Enforcement Act (H.R. 4709), sponsored by Rep. Tom Marino (R-PA) and Energy and Commerce Committee Vice Chair Marsha Blackburn (R-TN). NACDS <a href="https://www.nacds.org/Home/TabId/107/PostId/4977/as-house-panel-drafts-prescription-drug-abuse-bill-nacds-redoubles-support.aspx">affirmed</a> support for the bill, which would establish a framework to foster collaboration among health and enforcement officials on this issue.</p>
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<p>The Subcommittee’s action represents an important step, among other steps that are needed, to make the Congressional Research Service’s statement a reality. </p>
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