S. 1830: Right to Treat Act

The bill known as the "Right to Treat Act" aims to change the authority of federal agencies regarding the practice of medicine in the United States. It specifies that:

Overview of Provisions

• No Regulation by Federal Agencies: Federal agencies, including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), National Institutes of Health (NIH), and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), would not have the authority to regulate how medicine is practiced.
• Prescription for Unapproved Uses: Federal regulations would not prohibit or restrict healthcare providers from prescribing or dispensing drugs for uses not specifically approved by the FDA, as long as those drugs are FDA-approved for other uses.

Limitations and Exceptions

While the bill removes certain regulatory powers from federal agencies, it explicitly states that it does not apply to:

• Any federal laws, regulations, or policies that limit abortion.
• Assisted suicide, euthanasia, or mercy killing.
• Coercive family planning methods.
• Female genital mutilation.
• Medical interventions related to gender transition.

This means that the bill would not affect existing laws addressing these specific issues, which will continue to be regulated at the federal level.

Context and Implications

The bill seeks to clarify the role of federal agencies in the regulation of medical practices, potentially leading to more autonomy for healthcare providers regarding treatment options. It emphasizes the right of healthcare professionals to make decisions about the use of approved medications in ways that may not align with FDA guidelines, thus affecting how healthcare services are delivered across the country.

Relevant Companies

• AMGN (Amgen Inc.): As a biotechnology company that develops and manufactures drugs, Amgen could be affected by changes in the way prescriptions are handled, particularly regarding off-label uses of its medications.
• PFE (Pfizer Inc.): Pfizer, a large pharmaceutical company, may see implications on the prescribing patterns of its products, especially concerning off-label usage.
• MDT (Medtronic PLC): As a medical device manufacturer, Medtronic could be impacted by alterations in practice regulations affecting the usage of its devices in various medical treatments outside of FDA approvals.