HR-878 : Still Just a Bill

Right to Try Act of 2017

This bill requires the federal government to allow unrestricted manufacturing, distribution, prescribing, and dispensing of experimental drugs, biological products, and medical devices that are: (1) intended to treat a patient who has been diagnosed with a terminal illness, and (2) authorized by state law. The federal government must allow unrestricted possession and use of such treatments by patients certified by a physician as having exhausted all other treatment options.

A manufacturer, distributor, prescriber, dispenser, possessor, or user of such a treatment has no liability regarding the treatment.

The outcome of manufacture, distribution, prescribing, dispensing, possession, or use of such a treatment may not be used by a federal agency to adversely impact review or approval of the treatment.

The treatment must: (1) have successfully completed a phase 1 (initial, small scale) clinical trial; (2) remain under investigation in a clinical trial approved by the Food and Drug Administration; and (3) not be approved, licensed, or cleared for sale under the Federal Food, Drug, or Cosmetic Act or the Public Health Service Act.

Action Timeline

Action DateTypeTextSource
2017-03-02CommitteeReferred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations.House committee actions
2017-03-02CommitteeReferred to the Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice.House committee actions
2017-02-10CommitteeReferred to the Subcommittee on Health.House committee actions
2017-02-06IntroReferralReferred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.House floor actions
2017-02-06IntroReferralReferred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.House floor actions
2017-02-06IntroReferralIntroduced in HouseLibrary of Congress

Sponsor :

Rep. Biggs, Andy [R-AZ-5]
See Cosponsors

Policy Area :

Health
See Subjects
  • Civil actions and liability
  • Drug safety, medical device, and laboratory regulation
  • Drug therapy
  • Health technology, devices, supplies
  • Licensing and registrations
  • Long-term, rehabilitative, and terminal care
  • Prescription drugs
  • Product safety and quality

Related Bills

See Related Bills