HHS Issues Final Notice Allowing Multiple Contracting Pharmacies for 340B Providers - March 17, 2010

On March 5, HHS issued its final notice announcing guidelines to allow 340B drug discount providers to contract with multiple pharmacies, including entire pharmacy chains, without having to gain approval from the Health Resources Services Administration as an alternative method demonstration project (AMDP). This is a major development for 340B providers, who have been waiting three years for HHS to issue this final notice. AMDPs have proven to be successful in providing access to discounted medications for a larger population, who can go to a local, contracted pharmacy instead of having to travel to the approved 340B pharmacy itself.