Federal Bill Would Prevent State Inspections of Drugs and Devices if FDA Required Inspections Completed

Representative Brian Bilbray (R-CA) introduced a bill to the US House that would prevent states from requiring inspections of drug or device manufacturers, packagers, or distributors that are duplicative to inspections required by FDA. The Science and Technology Regulatory Relief Act of 2012 (HR 4056) would amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to prevent such duplicative inspections except under certain circumstances such as a request by FDA for the state to conduct an inspection, or a complaint indicating that a drug or device presents a potential threat of serious adverse health consequences.