For Immediate Release
April 18, 2013

MEDIA CONTACT: Amy Lee, 202-280-8816
lee@hida.org

HIDA Testimony Helps Shape North Dakota Supply Chain Legislation

Alexandria, Va. – On Friday, Governor Jack Dalrymple (R-ND) signed into law North Dakota Senate Bill 2342, incorporating guidance from the Health Industry Distributors Association (HIDA) to amend bill sections that would have expanded pharmaceutical pedigree requirements to medical equipment and supplies. HIDA provided written member statements seeking revisions to the bill, which were supplemented with crucial in-person testimony by member representatives.

HIDA Director of Government Affairs Ashley Fishburn Palmer testified to the state House Human Services Committee that pedigree requirements for the medical device supply chain are unprecedented. Kreisers Inc.'s Fargo branch manager added that no infrastructure was in place to support pedigree-related requirements for devices while Johnson & Johnson's senior director for state government affairs explained how additional requirements would interrupt supply chain efficiency. All agreed that the bill in its original form would establish significant regulatory burdens and transaction restrictions, limiting patient access to healthcare products.

Having the bill signed into law with unworkable sections removed is seen as a significant victory for the healthcare supply chain. Said Palmer, "Providing patient access to healthcare products is a top priority for HIDA and our members. We are very pleased to see this law passed after successful negotiations with bill sponsors and the Board of Pharmacy."

About HIDA
The Health Industry Distributors Association (HIDA) is the premier trade association representing medical products distribution. HIDA members primarily serve the nation’s hospital, long term care, and physician/alternate care markets. For more information, visit www.HIDA.org or www.streamlininghealthcare.org.