"It's still illegal to import prescription drugs," Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson told reporters earlier this week. "Right now, it's impossible for me to certify that the drugs are safe." The Medicare reform bill headed for final House and Senate consideration before Thanksgiving would allow imports from Canada only if the secretary certifies they pose "no additional risk" to public health. The Medicare bill also directs the secretary to carry out a study of the safety issues surrounding imported drugs. "We're supposed to consider why they're unsafe and how we could develop ways to make them safe," Thompson said.
The Medicare reform bill headed for final House and Senate consideration before Thanksgiving would allow imports from Canada only if the secretary certifies they pose "no additional risk" to public health.
The Medicare bill also directs the secretary to carry out a study of the safety issues surrounding imported drugs. "We're supposed to consider why they're unsafe and how we could develop ways to make them safe," Thompson said.
Seems to me that Democrats ought to push the study constantly and loudly to move forward, and to keep visibility on who participates in the study. This could be "energy committee" moment for Medicare with this Administration.