U.S. Representatives Zach Space (D-OH) and Jo Ann Emerson (R-MO) have introduced H.R. 1970, the Preserve Patents Access to Reputable DMEPOS Providers Act of 2009. The bill exempts pharmacies from having to post surety bonds in order to provide Medicare Part B Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics and Supplies (DMEPOS) to their patients. In response, National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) Executive Vice President and CEO Bruce T. Roberts, RPh, issued the following statement:

"Community pharmacies want to continue providing their patients access to life-saving supplies and related services -- such as diabetes testing strips -- through participation in the DMEPOS program. Unfortunately, CMS' regulations require pharmacists to purchase $50,000 surety bonds to guard against fraud where there is no record of impropriety, while 14 other similarly-licensed medical providers have been exempted…