During the invitation-only, face-to-face meeting, Dr. Warner spoke on the impact of anesthesia drug shortages on patients. The meeting focused on learning the causes behind the recent spike in drug shortages, and Secretary Sebelius expressed a strong commitment to solving the problem.
In April 2011, the ASA conducted a nationwide survey of its members and found that drug shortages affect a majority of hospitals and providers. The ASA has also worked with the FDA to alleviate the shortage of propofol and has submitted recommendations to the FDA on decreasing the severity of other drug shortages. Since a Nov. 2010 meeting with representatives from manufacturers, distributors and providers, the ASA has been working with the Legislative and Regulatory Activities Work Group to develop recommendations to alleviate drug shortages across the country.
Related Articles on Anesthesia:
Surgery Center Physician Dr. Robin Wright Studies Nerve Damage in Inguinal Repair Patients
Connecticut Anesthesiologist Fined for Presenting False Information on License Renewal
TeamHealth Expands Anesthesia Division With Acquisition of Anesthesia Services
