Lisa Everett Andersen, RPh, CCN, FACA and Dr. Arden Andersen recently returned from Washington D.C. where they attended the Professional Compounding Centers of America (PCCA) ACT Legislative Conference. While there, they, along with PCCA, hosted a reception for Dr. Roger Marshall, Republican Senator for Kansas, to advocate for patients to have continued access to bio-identical hormone replacement therapy, compounded thyroid replacement, and individualized medicine. Dr. Andersen represented the Riordan Clinic of both Wichita and Overland Park, as well as all clinics who regularly use compounded medications to help their patients. Lisa represented not only O’Brien Pharmacy but all compounding pharmacies in Kansas. They were both pleased to share success stories of many of our patients who utilize these prescriptions to restore and maintain their health. Dr. Andersen and Lisa said they were grateful to have open conversations with Senator Marshall and his Health Policy Director, Charlotte Pineda. They also met with Lucy Hulet, the Legislative Assistant for Senator Jerry Moran, Republican representative for Kansas, and with Kate Rohr, Senior Legislator Assistant for U.S. Representative Sharice Davids, Democratic Representative for Kansas. 

              While the Senate has legal dominion over the FDA, we are excited that U.S. Representative Michael Burgess, M.D. Republican for Texas, and U.S. Representative Jennifer Wexton, Democratic Representative for Virginia, have crafted a bi-partisan letter to the FDA expressing support for patient access to compounded hormones. To add to that good news, Lisa and Arden were told that Senator Marshall will sponsor a similar letter to the FDA from the Senate. 

              We are encouraging all patients to contact their Senators and Representatives asking them to sign these specific letters. When doing so, please mention the names of the Representatives and Senators who are sponsoring the letters. The more signatures on the letters, the more powerful the message to the FDA to stop its overreach.