Bill Name and Number
The presentation focuses on bill H.R. 198, which is in the resolution stage. The Drug Pricing Transparency and Accountability Act was written by Matthew Rosendale, who also sponsored the bill. He is a Republican member of the House of Representatives representing Montana’s 2nd congressional district. The bill was introduced under the 118th Congress (2023–2025) on January 9, 2023. Among other purposes, the bill is proposed to expand the reporting prerequisites and clarity in the 340B Drug Pricing Program.
Bill Summary
The bill includes provisions to require drug manufacturers to disclose pricing information, including research and development and marketing expenses. Additionally, it would give the government the authority to negotiate drug prices for certain drugs. The bill provides a price ceiling for prescription drugs and introduces actions to prevent price gouging and increase competition in the market. Even though it has not been passed, the bill aims to enhance transparency and accountability in the pharmaceutical industry, particularly on drug pricing.
Relation to a Professional Nursing Practice Standard; if Passed
The American Nurses Association (ANA) has developed up to 16 standards of nursing practice. The evaluation of the standards shows that the standard on resource utilization is closely related to the bill. The specific nursing standard focuses on the efficient use of resources in healthcare organizations to reduce waste while providing high-quality nursing care. DPTAA seeks to reduce drug costs for consumers and healthcare organizations. The two are connected by the goal of improving the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of healthcare delivery. The ANA standard 15 focuses on efficiently using resources within healthcare organizations. In contrast, the Drug Pricing Transparency and Accountability Act focuses on reducing the cost of drugs for patients and healthcare organizations. If the bill is passed, both initiatives could help to improve the overall affordability and accessibility of healthcare.
Relation to a Professional Nursing Practice Standard; if not Passed
If the DPTAA is not passed, the current drug pricing and reimbursement system will likely remain in place. This could mean that the cost of medications for patients would continue to be a significant issue, potentially leading to patients being unable to afford necessary medications. Nurses may feel they need to be more adequately supported in delivering efficient and quality care. Additionally, without the increased transparency in pricing that the Act would bring, it may be more difficult for nurses to understand and navigate the drug reimbursement process.
Impact Individual Nursing Practice if Passed and if not Passed
If the DPTAA is adopted, it could impact specific nursing practices by enhancing drug pricing transparency and lowering patient prescription costs. As a result, patients may have easier access to essential medications and may pay for their prescriptions at a lower cost. Furthermore, the Act could lessen the administrative load placed on nurses when procuring and giving patients’ prescriptions. If the legislation is not approved, it might be more challenging for nurses and other healthcare professionals to push for fair pricing for their patients and make informed choices about the most affordable treatment options.
Communicating Concerns About or Support for the DPTAA Bill to Peers and Legislators
There will be various approaches to convey concerns or support for the DPTAA bill to peers and legislators based on nursing practice, standards, or patient outcomes. One approach would be to contact the local representative through email, letter, phone, or social media. The letter could outline concerns or support for the bill and how it relates to nursing practice, standards, or patient outcomes. It would also be appropriate to attend public events hosted by the representative, such as town hall meetings, to voice concerns or support the bill in person.
The other approach would be to work with nursing professional associations and organizations to present depositions or arguments to the House of Representatives about the bill. Alternatively, it would be prudent to join or create a coalition of nurses and other healthcare professionals to advocate for or against the bill. Sharing information about the bill and its impact on nursing practice, standards, or patient outcomes with colleagues and peers would also suffice. The parties can be encouraged to contact their representatives and make their position known. Generally, one has to be professional and respectful and provide evidence-based information to support any argument.
Impact of the Bill on the Community if Passed
The DPTAA could significantly influence the community if it is passed. It intends to enhance transparency and accountability in reporting drug pricing information, including expenses incurred in research, development, and marketing of drugs. The bill would make it simpler for patients and healthcare professionals to appreciate the costs of prescription pharmaceuticals and make better treatment decisions. Additionally, by boosting market competition, the legislation may also lower the overall cost of pharmaceuticals. The pharmaceutical industry might fight this legislation, and the effects on society might be a topic of ongoing discussion.
References
GovTrack.us. (2023). H.R. 198 — 118th Congress: Drug Pricing Transparency and Accountability Act. Web.
Masters, K. (2020). Role development in professional nursing practice (5th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.