WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Association of EMS Physicians (NAEMSP) applauds the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) formation of a Drug Shortages Task Force, which was created at the urging of Congress, NAEMSP and other medical groups representing physicians and medical professionals throughout the U.S.
NAEMSP - an organization of more than 1,500 physicians and EMS professionals partnering to provide leadership and foster excellence in the subspecialty of EMS medicine - has been actively engaged on drug shortages issues in Washington since shortages of essential emergency medications spiked in 2011.
“Currently EMS agencies, emergency departments and hospitals across the nation are severely restricting use of IV fluids, pain medications, anti-nausea medications, sedatives, and airway management medications due to supply shortages,” said NAEMSP President Brent Myers, MD, MPH, FAEMS. “As the leading organization for EMS Physicians, NAEMSP has prioritized our advocacy efforts around ending drug shortages and this week’s FDA Drug Shortage Task Force announcement shows great potential.”
NAEMSP members met with legislators on Capitol Hill during the group’s Government Relations Academy Fly-In in April this year, sharing insight with key members of Congress regarding the effects of drug shortages on out-of-hospital emergency care.
Following these meetings, NAEMSP submitted letters to the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response and FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, M.D urging the elevation of this issue with appropriate action.
Additionally, after recent meetings with NAEMSP and other public health groups engaged on drug shortage issues, the sponsors of Opioid Quota Reform Act (S. 2535) inserted important language that would give the Attorney General the authority to specifically consider drug shortages when modifying production quotas so as not to adversely affect providers’ access to these important drugs.
“NAEMSP stands ready to support the FDA’s Drug Shortages Task Force by providing insight and expertise regarding the effects of drug shortages on the subspecialty of EMS medicine, as we work to provide the highest quality out-of-hospital emergency care to the communities we serve,” added Myers.