ASHP has received member inquiries regarding the recent limitations on communications from federal health agencies, and how this could affect pharmacy practice and patient care.
The Department of Health and Human Services has issued a memo requiring that federal health agencies refrain from issuing regulations, guidance, grant announcements, and press releases; posting on social media; updating websites; and participating in public speaking events until reviewed and approved by a presidential appointee.
The communications restriction provides exceptions to allow communications that relate to critical health, safety, environmental, financial, and national security functions.
The websites of federal health programs remain operational, and ASHP members may find the following links helpful until regular communications from federal agencies resume.
- The Emergency Prescription Assistance Program provides prescription medications, vaccinations, and medical equipment for uninsured residents of federal disaster areas.
- Pharmacists can continue to submit adverse event reports through the Food and Drug Administration’s MedWatch system for drugs and medical devices and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System.
- FDA’s Compassionate Use (Expanded Access) Program provides patients with a serious or immediately life-threatening disease or condition access to an investigational medical product.
- Pharmacists can continue to report drug shortages and access the ASHP Drug Shortages Resource Center, from ASHP and the University of Utah.
- ASHP’s SafeMedication.com provides patient-friendly information about prescription medications.
