H.R. 4278 — Introduced in House

I 117th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 4278 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES June 30, 2021Mr. Murphy of North Carolina (for himself and Mrs. Harshbarger) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce A BILL To direct the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a study on how direct-to-consumer pharmaceutical advertising negatively impacts drug costs to consumers, and for other purposes. 1. GAO study on how direct-to-consumer pharmaceutical advertising negatively impacts drug costs to consumers (a) In general Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a study on how direct-to-consumer pharmaceutical advertising negatively impacts drug costs to consumers. Such study shall focus on— (1) what steps may be taken by pharmaceutical drug manufacturers and distributors to reduce the higher drug costs paid by consumers as a result of such advertising by splitting the cost of advertising between each organization developing a particular drug; (2) the expectations of consumers and patients with respect to the drugs so advertised; and (3) the role such advertisements play in promoting medication to patients for whom such medication may not be necessary. (b) Report The Comptroller General shall— (1) submit a report containing the results of the study to— (A) the Committee on the Judiciary and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives; and (B) the Committee on the Judiciary and the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate; and (2) make such report publicly available.