ALEXANDRIA, Va. (March 18, 2021) — Today the U.S. Senate confirmed Xavier Becerra to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. Ahead of the Supreme Court’s October 2020 consideration of Rutledge v. PCMA, Becerra as the attorney general of California led a bipartisan coalition of 46 attorneys general in filing an amicus brief supporting Arkansas’ position that federal law does not prevent states from regulating pharmacy benefit managers.
National Community Pharmacists Association CEO B. Douglas Hoey, pharmacist, MBA issued the following statement congratulating Becerra on his confirmation:
“While serving as the attorney general of California, Xavier Becerra stood up for independent pharmacy and its patients, supporting states’ ability to fight ‘against pharmaceutical middlemen who manipulate drug prices and the choice of prescription drugs that patients can access in the market.’ We are grateful for his support and are eager to work with him and others in the Biden administration on advancing PBM reforms at the federal level, promoting patient access to affordable prescription drugs, and empowering pharmacists to fully engage in the fight against the coronavirus and other patient health concerns.”
Becerra, also a former congressman, is President Joe Biden’s first health nominee to receive confirmation hearings.
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Founded in 1898, the National Community Pharmacists Association is the voice for the community pharmacist, representing more than 21,000 pharmacies that employ 250,000 individuals nationwide. Community pharmacies are rooted in the communities where they are located and are among America's most accessible health care providers. To learn more, visit www.ncpa.org.
