ATLANTA— State Representative Mike Dudgeon (R-Johns Creek) today pre-filed House Bill 34, also known as the “Right to Try” bill. This legislation would grant some terminally ill patients faster access to investigational drugs that have that have passed the safety phase in the three phase FDA drug approval process.
“A terminally ill patient, who has no other option, should have the right to try these investigational, cutting edge treatments,” said Rep. Dudgeon. “Colorado, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri and Arizona have all passed similar legislation, and Georgia should to follow in their footsteps to help our citizens. With the FDA approval process for new drugs taking up to 10 years, it is wrong to deny Georgians, who may only have a short time to live, the access to potentially lifesaving drugs.”
House Bill 34 will be formally introduced during the 2015 legislative session. The bill would only grant access to investigational treatments, medicines, and devices for terminal patients who have no other options. The process would require strong and complete written consent, as well as full voluntary cooperation from all parties. Under HB 34, manufacturers would not be required to offer the treatment, and health insurance companies would not be required to pay for the treatment. Doctors, as well as other involved participants, would be indemnified.
Representative Mike Dudgeon represents the citizens of District 25, which includes portions of Forsyth and Fulton counties. He was elected into the House of Representatives in 2010, and currently serves as the Vice Chairman of the Education Committee. He also serves on the Energy, Utilities & Telecommunications, Science & Technology, and Small Business Development committees.
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