Representative Nathanson asks OHA to review evidence on mail-order prescription temperature safety

Representative Nancy Nathanson opened the public hearing on House Bill 2318 and outlined concerns about how mail-order delivery may expose prescription medications to temperatures that reduce their effectiveness.

"Oregonians use a lot of prescription medications... these medications can be in different forms," Rep. Nancy Nathanson said, describing study findings of temperature excursions in transit. She cited research showing packages sometimes spend two-thirds of transit time outside appropriate temperature ranges and referenced news coverage and peer-reviewed studies that raised particular concerns about insulin, inhalers, oral contraceptives and EpiPens.

Andrea Meyer, Director of Government Relations for AARP Oregon, testified in support, saying the group wants to "identify and address safety issues within the drug chain supply specific to mail order" and urged the committee to "uncover where problems exist and develop solutions that effectively address this issue." Meyer told the committee the bill directs the Oregon Health Authority to review existing studies and report back with recommendations, not to undertake a new costly clinical trial.

Committee members asked clarifying questions about the scope of the review (for example, whether hospital deliveries or white-bagging were included) and expressed interest in whether consumer education or regulatory approaches would result from the study. Rep. Nathanson said the immediate goal is to "improve the safety of medications that patients are taking" and that the bill would enable OHA to reflect on the existing evidence and offer policy options.

No formal action was recorded on HB 2318 during the hearing; the committee closed the public hearing after questioning and testimony.