H.R. 6331 - The Rx for Community Pharmacy

Business Wire, July 16, 2008

Bill Includes Three Provisions That Protect Patient Access to Community Pharmacies

ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- The U.S. Senate and House of Representatives have voted to override President's George W. Bush's veto of H.R. 6331, the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008. In response Bruce T. Roberts, RPh, executive vice president and CEO of the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA), issued the following statement:

"America's 23,000 community pharmacies have just been given the prescription for success in the healthcare marketplace. The passage of this bill will guarantee community pharmacies the ability to help millions of patients and to compete on a level playing field."

"The road ahead for healthcare is long and windy, but with the help of a U.S. House and Senate committed to patient access, community pharmacy will continue to prosper as a critical member of the healthcare community."

The National Community Pharmacists Association, founded in 1898, represents the nation's community pharmacists, including the owners of more than 23,000 pharmacies. The nation's independent pharmacies, independent pharmacy franchises, and independent chains dispense nearly half of the nation's retail prescription medicines. To learn more go to www.ncpanet.org.