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Emergency Preparedness
H1N1 Influenza A Virus Information
HDMA’s primary full-service healthcare distributors are responding to the emerging H1N1 influenza A virus public health situation. Distributors are working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, other government agencies and manufacturers to ensure that antiviral and other medical products are available to meet pharmacy, physician and hospital demand. Read more
HDMA is actively participating in
Rx Response, an information-sharing
forum comprised of pharmaceutical manufacturers distributors,
pharmacies, hospitals, disaster relief agencies and state/federal government agencies.
For HDMA members’ role in antiviral and medical products distribution,
including a contact list for state public health officials
of HDMA member contacts, click here.
HDMA REMS Testimony
HDMA Testifies at FDA Public Meeting on Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies (REMS) for Certain Opioids Drugs
On March 27, 2009, HDMA Senior Director, Regulatory Affairs, Anita Ducca, provided testimony before an FDA panel considering the establishment of a class-wide REMS for opioids. Ms. Ducca's testimony provided support for the patient safety objectives of the proposed FDA initiative, though cautioned against restrictive distribution approaches that could impact product availability and supply chain efficiency.
"HDMA understands the concerns underlying FDA’s decision to move forward with an opioid REMS and is supportive of the overall objective to seek to reduce patient risks associated with these important products. Since FDA announced the potential class-wide REMS for opioids, distributors have been examining their capabilities and services with an eye towards determining how they may be able to provide support to those who will be implementing the REMS. Based on these evaluations, we feel compelled to urge FDA to proceed with caution when considering potential 'controls' on distributors given their important role within the healthcare system," Ms. Ducca testified.
HDMA Opposes Repeal of LIFO Inventory Accounting Method
Repeal of LIFO and Resulting Increased Tax Liability Could Have
Devastating Impact on Businesses
The Healthcare Distribution Management Association (HDMA) opposes proposals to repeal the last-in, first-out (LIFO) inventory accounting method, as mentioned in the Senate Finance Committee's list of healthcare financing options released today. Repealing LIFO would force companies currently using this accounting method to report their cumulative LIFO reserves as income, resulting in a massive retroactive tax increase for companies.
“HDMA urges members of the Senate Finance Committee not to repeal LIFO as a way to pay for healthcare reform. LIFO has been a well-established and recognized accounting method in the U.S. since the 1930s and is utilized for tax reporting purposes by a broad spectrum of business sectors that manufacture or sell a wide range of products,” said HDMA President and CEO John M. Gray.
On March 5, 2009, the Healthcare Distribution Management Association (HDMA), in conjunction with the President’s healthcare summit, announced its 2009 healthcare reform principles for consideration as Congress prepares to enact meaningful healthcare reform. HDMA is dedicated to working with the Administration, Congress and other stakeholders to help shape the future of healthcare for the benefit of patients.
“HDMA is pleased to see healthcare reform remain a top priority for the Obama Administration,” said HDMA President and CEO John M. Gray.
HDMA Announces 2009 iBusiness Solution Award Winners
The Healthcare Distribution Management Association (HDMA) presented its iBusiness Solution Awards to AmerisourceBergen Drug Company and Axway at the HDMA 2009 Distribution Management Conference & Expo (DMC) in Baltimore, MD. The awards honor the use of innovative technology to streamline supply chain operations and improve business efficiencies.
“Relentless innovation and ongoing process improvements are critical components of success in an increasingly complex healthcare supply chain. HDMA commends this year’s winners for their innovative systems and processes,” said HDMA President and CEO John M. Gray.
HDMA Applauds Introduction of H.R. 1392, Legislation to Correct the Treatment of Prompt Pay Discounts Under the Medicare Part B Average Sales Price Reimbursement Metric
On March 13, 2009, the Healthcare Distribution Management Association (HDMA) released comments commending Representatives Gene Green (D-TX) and Ed Whitfield (R-KY) for introducing bipartisan legislation (H.R. 1392) to correct the Average Sales Price (ASP) payment methodology used by Medicare to determine reimbursement for Part B drugs and biologics. This critical legislation clarifies how to treat prompt pay discounts paid to distributors when calculating ASP.
