Summary of Bills Pertaining to
Internet Drug Sales
in the 106th Congress

This page summarizes the following bills:

• HR 2763, Internet Pharmacy Consumer Protection Act (Ron Klink).

HR 2763, Internet Pharmacy Consumer Protection Act

Sponsor. Rep. Ron Klink (D-PA). Initial Cosponsors. John Dingell (D-MI), Bart Stupak (D-MI), Henry Waxman (D-CA), Gene Green (D-TX), Robert Brady (D-PA), Paul Kanjorski (D-PA), Michael Doyle (D-PA).

Summary. HR 2763 IH requires that web sites that are used for the sale of prescription drugs must disclose certain information.

The web site involved in the sale of prescription drugs must disclose the name, business address, and telephone number of the person selling the prescription drugs. It must also list each state in which such person is authorized by law to dispense prescription drugs. It must also name each individual pharmacist, and the states in which they are licensed. Finally, if medical consultations are provided through the web site, the disclosure must also include the names of the individuals providing consultations, the states in which they are licensed, and licenses which they hold.

The bill would leave primary enforcement authority to the states. It provides that "if a State has in effect requirements for Internet sites that are no less stringent than the requirements established in subsection (b) for such sites, and has adequate procedures for the enforcement of the requirements, the State has primary enforcement responsibility for any violation involving such a purchase made from within the State."

Status. This bill was introduced on August 5, 1999.

Legislative History with Links to Related Materials.

• 7/30/99. The House Commerce Committee's Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a hearing entitled Drugstores on the Net: The Benefits and Risks of Online Pharmacies. See, statement by Rep. Tom Bliley (R-VA).
• 8/5/99. HR 2763 IH introduced in the House.
• 8/5/99. HR 2763 referred to the House Commerce Committee.