State House passes watered down prescription drug program

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- The Oklahoma House approves a watered-down version of Governor Brad Henry's prescription drug re-importation program.<br/><br/>Oklahoma City state Representative Rebecca Hamilton

Friday, April 29th 2005, 6:13 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- The Oklahoma House approves a watered-down version of Governor Brad Henry's prescription drug re-importation program.

Oklahoma City state Representative Rebecca Hamilton said Thursday she tried to amend the measure on the House floor to make it more effective but her efforts were blocked by the Republican majority.

The bill was amended by the House Health and Human Services Committee and passed 91-to-3. A second measure that would increase low-income Oklahomans' access to prescription drugs was approved 95-to-1.

Committee chairman Kris Steele of Shawnee says he insisted on changes to protect Oklahomans legally and medically. The importation of prescription drugs is banned by the US Food and Drug Administration, and opponents have expressed concern about the safety of drugs imported from overseas.

Henry's spokesman, Paul Sund, urged lawmakers to stand up to large pharmaceutical companies who he said oppose the legislation.