Acting once again without Congress, President Obama on Monday was directing the Food and Drug Administration to take steps to reduce drug shortages that administration officials say has placed patients at risk and led to price gouging.
The president was signing an executive order -- his fifth in a week -- instructing the FDA to take action absent congressional approval.
Last year, the FDA reported 178 drug shortages -- mainly cancer, anesthetics, electrolytes and emergency room drugs -- and the agency says it continues to see an increase in shortages this year.
The White House also announced Obama's support for House and Senate legislation that would require drug makers to notify the FDA six months ahead of a potential shortage. Under current regulations, drug manufactures are only required to notify the FDA if medically necessary drugs are being discontinued. Notification of shortages is strictly voluntary.
"The shortage of prescription drugs drives up costs, leaves consumers vulnerable to price gouging and threatens our health and safety," Obama said in a statement before the order was signed. "This is a problem we can't wait to fix. That's why today, I am directing my administration to take steps to protect consumers from drug shortages, and I'm committed to working with Congress and industry to keep tackling this problem going forward."
The executive action is part of an overarching push by the White House to portray Obama, who is facing re-election, as an effective counterpoint to congressional Republicans blocking his jobs legislation. Last week, he issued an executive order to help homeowners refinance at lower mortgage rates and to allow college graduates to simplify and lower their student loan payments.
Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2011/10/31/obama-to-order-fda-to-allay-drug-shortages/#ixzz1cNuyKvfB
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