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AMA Adopts Policy Supporting In-Person Importation of Prescription Drugs From Canada

To address concerns that out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs have reduced access to essential medications, delegates at the Interim Meeting of the AMA adopted a policy supporting in-person purchase and importation of prescription drugs from licensed pharmacies in Canada.

The drug importation from Canada would be contingent upon assurance of safety, approval from Health Canada and limitations on quantities for personal use. Importation of medications through online or mail-order pharmacies is not endorsed under the policy.

“While it generally remains illegal for individuals to import prescription drugs into the U.S. for personal use, the FDA has used its enforcement discretion to allow the personal importation of prescription drugs under very limited circumstances,” Barbara L. McAneny, MD, president of AMA, said in a press release. “Allowing for the in-person importation of prescription drugs from Canada, if product integrity can be assured, represents a step forward, as well as a measured and conservative option to lower patient costs for prescription drugs.”

To address concerns that out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs have reduced access to essential medications, delegates at the Interim Meeting of the AMA adopted a policy supporting in-person purchase and importation of prescription drugs from licensed pharmacies in Canada.

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The HHS and lawmakers are currently looking for ways to safely lower patient costs for prescription medications and this new policy will help offer support in their efforts, McAneny said. – by Alaina Tedesco

Disclosure: McAneny is the president of AMA.