Category Archives: HDMA

HDMA Responds To FDA Pilots RFC

iStock_000023623347_SmallerA few months ago the FDA opened two “dockets”, or Requests for Comments (RFC) to collect ideas and experiences about technology pilots related to the Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA).  The first docket was associated with the FDA Public Meeting held on April 5 and 6 (see “The 2016 FDA Pilots Workshop”).  The second docket was opened shortly after the Public Meeting to continue collecting the same kind of information from anyone who had already conducted their own pilots or was planning future pilots.  Both dockets are now closed so here is a look at the responses. Continue reading HDMA Responds To FDA Pilots RFC

Important HDMA Webinar On Barcoding for DSCSA

HDMA LogoRxTrace followers will want to register and listen in on the Healthcare Distribution Management Association’s (HDMA) upcoming important webinar on May 19, 2016 from 1:00 to 2:00pm EDT.  The webinar will cover the new changes to their “Bar Coding Quick Start Guide” for compliance with the U.S. Drug Supply Chain Security Act.  HDMA originally published this document back in 2014 (see the HDMA’s website) but they are expected to publish an updated version of it any day now.  I checked the HDMA website last night and did not see the new version, but with the scheduling of this webinar, odds are it will be made available to the public between now and May 19.

When that document becomes available Continue reading Important HDMA Webinar On Barcoding for DSCSA

HDMA DMC Serves Sizzling Steak With A Small Side Of Snake Oil

iStock_000043324250_SmallerAccording to the HDMA, their Distribution Management Conference and Expo in San Antonio last week broke the attendance record at more than 500 attendees, but for the life of me, I can’t figure out why the number wasn’t double that amount.  When you compare the value you receive by attending this (or any) HDMA event with what you receive from any third-party event, well, there isn’t any comparison.  HDMA serves sizzling steak to their soggy puffed rice.  The reason is not just the quality of the speakers.  In fact, as “speakers”, they really aren’t any better at speaking than any other group of people, but it is who they are and what they know that makes the difference.  And just as important, who else is in the audience that makes these events so special.  It’s not just what is going on in the sessions, but it is who you meet and what you learn in the hallways and networking breaks between sessions.  I’ve said this before (see “Terminology: Track and Trace, and Pedigree”). Continue reading HDMA DMC Serves Sizzling Steak With A Small Side Of Snake Oil

HDMA Updates Q&A For DSCSA

HDMA LogoI was on the HDMA’s website last week doing some research for one of my clients, and I found that the HDMA has updated their highly regarded Q&A document that provides answers to questions related to the U.S. Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA).  I have reviewed this document before in its previous incarnation and view it as one of the best resources out there for all supply chain participants (see “InBrief: HDMA Updates DSCSA Q&A“).  Each time they update it they Continue reading HDMA Updates Q&A For DSCSA

InBrief: HDMA Updates DSCSA Q&A

HDMA LogoThe Healthcare Distribution Management Association (HDMA) recently updated their “HDMA Qs and As on the Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA)” to version 2.0.  This is a very well thought through document that will help companies understand how wholesale distributors are interpreting confusing or ambiguous sections of the law.  The document leans heavily toward questions about how wholesale distributors will need to react in various situations, but it will also be a resource that manufacturers, repackagers and dispensers will want to obtain and review.  What is really needed is for someone to do the same kind of analysis for questions that mainly affect those other supply chain entities.   Continue reading InBrief: HDMA Updates DSCSA Q&A

HDMA Expresses Concerns About Industry Readiness for DSCSA

HDMA LogoLast week the Healthcare Distribution Management Association (HDMA), the industry association for the U.S. primary healthcare distributors, published a letter from HDMA President and CEO John M. Gray to the FDA expressing concerns that not all members of the supply chain will be ready to exchange the transaction data mandated by the Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA) by the January 1 deadline.

The letter expresses concern about the potential that complexities of implementing the law across the entire supply chain… Continue reading HDMA Expresses Concerns About Industry Readiness for DSCSA

HDMA Has Updated Their EDI ASN Guidance For DSCSA, Again

The Healthcare Distribution Management Association (HDMA) had just published another update to their guidance for meeting the U.S. Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA) using Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) 856 Advance Ship Notice (ASN).  In case you thought they already did that a few months ago, you are right.  This is an update (July) to the earlier update, and this one is important, so make sure you replace your old copy with this one.

The previous guidance document (see “Just Released – The HDMA EDI ASN Guidance For DSCSA”) was pulled together very quickly to meet the demands of everyone in the supply chain.  However, it missed a few critical characteristics, like how to document:

  • the identity of the buyer and seller when either differs from the ship-to or ship-from locations;
  • when the drugs were originally purchased directly from the manufacturer or exclusive distributor;
  • when the seller received a direct purchase statement from their supplier.

Continue reading HDMA Has Updated Their EDI ASN Guidance For DSCSA, Again

Just Released – The HDMA EDI ASN Guidance For DSCSA

HDMA ASN for DSCSA coverNOTICE:  The HDMA has updated this guideline again only a few months after this essay was published.  Please see “HDMA Has Updated Their EDI ASN Guidance For DSCSA, Again” for additional information.  — Dirk.

The Healthcare Distribution Management Association (HDMA) has just published their much anticipated new guidance on applying the Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) 856 Advance Ship Notice (ASN) transaction set toward compliance with the new U.S. Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA), which is Title II of the Drug Quality and Security Act (DQSA).  HDMA members and non-members can download a copy of the new document here.  Make sure you look for “HDMA Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) Guidelines for the 856 Advance Ship Notice to Support Implementation of DSCSA“.  (See the image to the right.)

The new guidance is voluntary, like all HDMA guidance (see “GS1 Identifiers and EPC’s in EDI Messages: Important New HDMA Guidance” and “Updated HDMA Bar Code Guidance: A Must Read“), but companies who Continue reading Just Released – The HDMA EDI ASN Guidance For DSCSA