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Rep. DeGette Highlights Issue Of Drug Shortages

DENVER (CBS4)- Prescription drug shortages are becoming an urgent problem and Congresswoman Diana DeGette is highlighting the issue.

DeGette, a Democrat representing Colorado in Washington, DC, is the author of the "Preserving Access to Life-Saving Medications Act" a bipartisan bill to improve patient safety.

While speaking at Denver Health Medical Center, she said a number of drugs are needed by emergency responders and people's lives are at stake when they don't receive the treatment needed.

"Health care providers are forced to choose between delayed treatment or leaving patients susceptible to increased risk of side effects," said DeGette.

The bill would require manufacturers to report shortages to the Food and Drug Administration so suppliers can find alternatives.

The bill will come up for a full vote in the house within the next few weeks.

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