Senate Approves Bill Intended To Stop Operation of Online Rogue Pharmacies

The Senate on Tuesday voted unanimously to approve a bill (HR 6353, S 980) that aims to stop online rogue pharmacies from operating, CongressDaily reports. The House approved the measure last week, and the bill now moves to President Bush. Under the legislation, online pharmacies would be required to display information on their Web sites identifying the business, pharmacist and other physicians associated with the site. The bill also would require a health professional to examine a patient inperson for a prescription to be considered valid. In addition, the measure would allow state attorneys general to close rogue pharmacy Web sites across the U.S., rather than limiting their authority to stopping in-state sales. The bill also would increase penalties for pharmacies found to be illegally distributing prescription drugs and other controlled substances. For certain drugs, the penalties would double: up to 10 years for a first conviction and 20 years for a second conviction. Penalties of up to 30 years could be imposed if death or serious injury results from using a drug obtained on a rogue site, according to the bill (Noyes, CongressDaily, 10/1).