Hearings to Explore Budget, Prescription Drug Issues

A trio of Congressional hearings the week of 27 February will explore the proposed budget of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the proposed budget of the US Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and prescription drug diversion.

On 29 February 2012, FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg will appear before the US House Committee on Appropriations. Hamburg will be joined by FDA Assistant Commissioner for Budget Patrick McGarey and Deputy Assistant Secretary for Budget Norris Cochran.

On 1 March 2012, DHHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius will appear before the US House Energy and Commerce Committee to discuss the Fiscal Year 2013 budget for DHHS, which includes FDA's budget.

Also on 1 March 2012, the House Energy and Commerce Committee will hold a hearing on the issue of prescription drug diversion and how to mitigate the problem. Witnesses have not yet been announced by the committee.

Read more:

Budget Hearing - Department of Health and Human Services, Food and Drug Administration - Commissioner 

House Energy and Commerce Committee - The FY 2013 HHS Budget

House Energy and Commerce Committee - Prescription Drug Diversion: Combating the Scourge