S-61 : Still Just a Bill


Safe and Affordable Drugs from Canada Act of 2019

This bill requires the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to promulgate regulations within 180 days permitting individuals to import a prescription drug purchased from an approved Canadian pharmacy if the drug

  • is dispensed by a pharmacist licensed in Canada;
  • is purchased for personal use in quantities not greater than a 90-day supply;
  • is filled using a valid prescription issued by a physician licensed to practice in the United States; and
  • has the same active ingredients, route of administration, dosage form, and strength as a prescription drug approved by the FDA.

Under the bill, certain drugs may not be imported, including controlled substances and biological products.

The bill establishes a certification process for approving Canadian pharmacies. The FDA must publish a list of approved Canadian pharmacies.

Action Timeline

Action DateTypeTextSource
2019-01-09IntroReferralRead twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.Senate
2019-01-09IntroReferralIntroduced in SenateLibrary of Congress

Policy Area :

Health
Related Subjects
  • Administrative law and regulatory procedures
  • Drug safety, medical device, and laboratory regulation
  • Government information and archives
  • Prescription drugs
  • Trade restrictions
Related Geographic Entities
  • Canada
Related Organizations
  • Department of Health and Human Services

Related Bills

See Related Bills