CTA - Support SF2117 (Companion to HF2010)

UPDATE - SF2117 RIGHT TO TRY OFF LABEL PASSES SUBCOMMITTEE AND SENATOR EDLER AND COSTELLO WILL DISCUSS EXPANSION OF IT THROUGH AMENDMENTS.

When: Wednesday 2/2 @ 1:00 PM Where: Room 217

Subcommittee members to email: Jeff.edler@legis.iowa.gov Mark.costello@legis.iowa.gov Joe.bolkcom@legis.Iowa.gov

Submit public comment: https://www.legis.iowa.gov/commit.../meetingPublicComment...

Can also attend via zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83330588785... Meeting ID: tel:833 3058 8785 Passcode: 939950

Bill: An Act relating to the off label prescribing for patients who are terminally ill or mechanically ventilated.

https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=89...

Talking points: •The companion bill in the house already passed a subcommittee and committee process. It became clear the intention of the bill is to extend right to try provisions for offlabel use of FDA authorized drugs to patients who are terminally ill or mechanically ventilated, due to issues during COVID that have prevented families from getting the treatment they desired for their loved one.

•While we support this bill we would like to see the scope of this bill expanded, only allowing off label prescribing of FDA licensed products in the final hour as a last ditch effort. Most off label drugs that have shown efficacy against COVID are best suited for early treatment with efficacy waning when first prescribed once severe disease has set in. This would also allow the patient to avoid needing the hospital in the first place ensuring our healthcare system is not overrun and our healthcare workforce is not stretched too thin, considering its the number 1 workforce shortage in Iowa. This bill as written would require a patient be hospitalized and diagnosed terminally ill, or mechanically vented before getting to try medication that has saved thousands of lives worldwide and is available over the counter in most countries.

ALWAYS include your name and the town where you live and if you are a specific members constituent, please begin your email with that!

Subcommittee for SF2117 (Companion to HF2010):