The Senate Committee on Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs held a hearing on the causes of drug shortages along with the health and national security issues they raise. The committee heard testimony from experts, including ASHP member Erin Fox from the University of Utah. Witnesses noted the need for greater transparency into drug supply chains to inform health-system purchasing and the Food and Drug Administration’s response to shortages.
The committee also issued a report entitled Short Supply: The Health and National Security Risks of Drug Shortages. ASHP has worked closely with the committee to raise awareness of drug supply chain vulnerabilities. The committee’s report incorporates recommendations that ASHP has made to address national security risks in the drug supply chain and improve supply chain transparency and resilience.