The two lawmakers are co-sponsors of S. 511, the Access to Durable Medical Equipment
Act of 2009. The bill adds pharmacists to a list of 17 medical professionals that
are exempted from new accreditation requirements for Medicare Part B durable medical
equipment, prosthetics, orthotics and supplies.

The National Community Pharmacists Association welcomed the legislation.
“Pharmacists keep patients healthy, not only by dispensing much needed medication,
but by providing the medical supplies necessary for their patients health. Senators
John Tester and Sam Brownback are to be commended for their leadership in
introducing S. 511,” said NCPA EVP and CEO Bruce Roberts and president Holly Henry
in a joint statement March 4.

“This much needed bill demonstrates that these senators are committed to our nations patients and maintaining the ease of services provided by their community pharmacists.”