Antibiotic Resistance Targeted in 21st Century Cures Act

A provision in the 21st Century Cures Act recently passed by the House would require the CDC to make sure some of the bill's financial incentives aren't encouraging antibiotic resistance. The amendment, sponsored by Rep. Louise Slaughter (D-N.Y.), a microbiologist, requires the CDC to issue a report within 3 years on a provision in the bill that mandates additional payments for so-called DISARM drugs for Medicare beneficiaries. DISARM (Developing an Innovative Strategy for Antimicrobial-Resistant Microorganisms) drugs are defined as those which meet an unmet medical need and that treat an infection associated with high rates of mortality or significant patient morbidity. http://www.medpagetoday.com/PublicHealthPolicy/Washington-Watch/52611?xid=nl_mpt_DHE_2015-07-16&eun=g721819d0r