NHIA urges more steps in addressing IV solution shortage
By HME News Staff
Updated 3:19 PM CDT, Wed October 16, 2024
WASHINGTON – The National Home Infusion Association believes more needs to be done to minimize the impact on patient care and ensure equitable access to life-savings IV therapies after flooding halted production at the Baxter International plant in Marion, N.C. In a letter to Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, the association wrote: “As the leading voice for the home and alternate site infusion community, we write to share our concerns and offer recommendations for how HHS can support patients who depend on PN and other home infusion therapies. We understand that HHS is working with Baxter and other suppliers to address the current impacts to the intravenous (IV) fluid supply chain, and we appreciate the proactive communication provided by the Department on Friday, Oct. 4. Since that time, NHIA has developed conservation guidance for home infusion providers to implement immediately to minimize the impacts on Medicare beneficiaries and other patients.” NHIA has requested HHS declare a shortage of sterile IV solutions to allow 503B compounding facilities to fill gaps in the supply chain; fast-track approval of products approved in the EU; take steps to ensure allocations/distributions of IV fluids go to hospitals and pharmacies that use them for life-saving and medically necessary treatments; and temporarily suspend certain documentation requirements in the PN LCD to allow flexibilities in formulation.
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