Grassley, Blumenthal To HHS: Robust Open Payments Database Could Help Stem Opioid Prescribing

Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) ask HHS Acting Secretary Eric Hargan in a Thursday letter (Nov. 2) to prioritize funding of CMS' Open Payments database. “Recent reports have raised concerns about the effect payments to health professionals may have on opioid prescribing practices, which in many ways has exacerbated this ongoing public health epidemic,” Grassley and Blumenthal write. “Pending litigation against a fentanyl manufacturer has revealed instances of regular weekly contact with high-volume prescribers, in addition to...