Thank you, Chairman Michaud and Ranking Member Brown, for holding this important hearing on the Contracting and Procurement Practices of the Veterans Health Administration.  As I am not a member of this committee, I appreciate the opportunity to submit my statement and questions for the record.

The VA Consolidated Mail Outpatient Pharmacy (CMOP) program is an important resource for our veterans.  The program provides mail order refills of prescriptions to veterans using advanced automated systems at seven facilities located throughout the country.  This provides an efficient, effective and safe manner for our veterans to receive the medication they need without having to leave home.

I am submitting this statement today to seek clarification of the VA’s decision to switch from blister pack to bottle delivery in the distribution of medication through the Mid-South CMOP.  My primary concern is ensuring the VA conducts the most efficient and effective policy for all United States veterans and taxpayers.

Seven years ago, Murfreesboro Pharmaceutical Nursing Supply (MPNS) was awarded a contract with the Mid-South CMOP to supply veterans in the region with the delivery of medication through the outpatient program.  MPNS was specifically contracted to supply this medication in blister packs because, at that time, the VA determined them to be safer and more efficient for the veteran and the delivery process than the traditional method in a 120cc bottle.

The contract has been extended six times but expired January 31, 2010.  In May of this year, the VA announced it would no longer provide this medication in blister packs, but instead would switch to bottles.

Seven years ago, MPNS advised the VA and was later contracted specifically to provide blister packs.  Blister packs maintain the integrity of the medication during transport, and avoid theft by being less-easily detected during delivery.  Over these years, MPNS has provided a cost efficient and effective service without issue. 

Why now, in 2010, is the VA changing a process that has worked effectively?  An individual analysis by the company estimates it can save the VA more than $300,000 per year by continuing to provide the medication under existing procedures.

Three weeks ago, I asked for documentation of the business case review that was cited by the VA as a reason for changing its existing policy to use blister packs. On September 22, I received a chart of final numbers showing differences between the CMOP automated fill procedure and the MPNS manual fill.  I have yet to receive any documentation of the methodology used in determining these numbers, and I am requesting it again now.

This is one small instance in an incredibly complex system. If the VA feels a change in policy is prudent, I respect and applaud that decision.  But before we change procedure, we must be sure that this change is necessary and warranted.  My concern is that this change will not only cost jobs, but also cost the taxpayers and veterans.