BILL WOULD REQUIRE STATE WEB SITE FOR CANADIAN DRUGS.Byline: Harrison Sheppard Sacramento Bureau SACRAMENTO - A package of bills aimed at containing the rising costs of prescription drugs prescription drug Prescription medication Pharmacology An FDA-approved drug which must, by federal law or regulation, be dispensed only pursuant to a prescription–eg, finished dose form and active ingredients subject to the provisos of the Federal Food, Drug, and making it easier to buy drugs from Canada passed the Assembly on Wednesday. One of the bills would require the state to set up a Web site to help consumers safely buy drugs from Canada. The practice is technically against federal law, but more states have been promoting such measures recently and the federal government has taken few enforcement actions against the states or individuals who travel across the border to fill prescriptions. Another bill would allow the state retirement system to establish a consortium that would let small businesses, individuals and nonprofits buy prescription drugs at bulk rates. ``Prescription drug prices have been going up at a clip that is unbelievable,'' said Assemblyman as·sem·bly·man n. A man who is a member of a legislative assembly. assemblyman Noun pl -men a member of a legislative assembly Noun 1. Dario Frommer Dario Frommer (born October 22, 1963 in Long Beach, California) was a member of the California State Assembly from 2000 until 2006. He served as Majority Leader from 2004 until 2006. Frommer also served as Chair of the Health Committee. , D-Glendale, who sponsored the two measures. ``For some seniors using medication the drug prices have gone up three to four times the rate of inflation - for some products, 10 percent a year, which is quite a bit.'' The Web site bill drew opposition from Republicans, who noted that despite the lack of enforcement, individuals are still not allowed to buy drugs from other countries. ``It is illegal for us to do this,'' said Assemblyman Rick Keene Rick Keene (born November 16, 1957) is a California State Assembly member from the state's third district (representing Chico, Marysville, Grass Valley, and Truckee). Keene was elected in 2002. From 1994 to 2001, Keene served on the Chico city council. , R-Chico. ``To facilitate an illegal activity makes us accomplices in an illegal action.'' He added it would undermine the Legislature's own credibility in creating laws and asking the public to follow them if lawmakers undermine federal law in this area. But Frommer said the federal government has been moving closer to acceptance of the practice and recently decided to work with the state of Minnesota to make its Web site acceptable. The other bills included: --AB 1959 by Assemblywoman as·sem·bly·wom·an n. A woman who is a member of a legislative assembly. Noun 1. assemblywoman - a woman assemblyman representative - a person who represents others Judy Chu Judy May Chu, Ph.D. (趙美心; pinyin: Zhào Měixīn) is an American politician and educator. She is member of the Democratic Party. She is the current Vice Chair of the California Board of Equalization, representing the 4th District. Education Dr. , D-Monterey Park, which would require an audit of the state's practices in purchasing drugs for its own uses, such as for the Department of Corrections and Medi-Cal. --AB 1960 by Assemblywoman Fran Pavley Fran Pavley is a Democratic politician and previously served as a California Assemblywoman and as the first mayor of the Southern California community of Agoura Hills. She served as a Mayor and Councilmember for four terms. , D-Woodland Hills, which would require drug-purchasing middlemen, called pharmacy pharmacy, art of compounding and dispensing drugs and medication. The term is also applied to an establishment used for such purposes. Until modern times medication was prepared and dispensed by the physician himself. In the 18th cent. benefit managers, to make further disclosures about their practices to ensure consumers get the best prices possible. Harrison Sheppard, (916) 446-6723 harrison.sheppard(at)dailynews.com |
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