On June 29, 2007, Councilmember David Catania (At-Large) chaired a hearing of the Committee on Health to announce full implementation of the AccessRx Act of 2004.  The hearing featured testimony from national experts and representatives from the Department of Health about how AccessRx will reduce skyrocketing pharmaceutical costs while also promoting acocuntability from pharmacy benefit managers and the pharmaceutical industry at large. 

"By bringing together a wide range of knowledgable experts, we are assured that implementation of this law will be informed and effective," said Catania.  "I am excited to finally move forward with this important initiative."

Title I of the legislation established the AccessRx Program within the Department of Health and required the Department to utilize manufacturer rebates, pharmacy discounts, and aggregate purchasing to in its efforts to reduce prescription drug costs.  Title II requires transparent business practices among pharmacy benefit managers by requiring disclosure of all financial terms to a covered entity.  Title III requires a manufacturer or labeler of prescription drugs that utilizes marketing representatives in the District of Columbia to report all marketing costs to the Department of Health.

Invited panelists included:
- Sean Flynn, Counsel for Community Catalyst
- David Balto, Attorney and former Policy Director for the Federal Trade Commission
- Myron D. Winkelman, R.Ph., President, Winkelman Management Consulting, Inc.
- Feseha Woldu, MD, Senior Deputy Director, Department of Health
- Jean Silver-Isenstadt, MD, Ph.D, National Physicians Alliance
- Sharon Treat, Executive Director, NLARx

AccessRx Act of 2004
Hearing Information