Counterfeit Drug Enforcement Act

The Counterfeit Drug Enforcement Act (H.R. 1396) aims to protect the public from dangerous medications by granting the Department of Health and Human Services the authority to halt the distribution of and recall drugs that pose a serious risk of injury or death. The bill establishes strict criminal penalties, including fines and imprisonment, for individuals who knowingly sell, trade, or purchase counterfeit or altered prescription drugs. Additionally, it requires drug manufacturers to report suspected counterfeiting to the government within 48 hours and increases funding for the FDA to conduct more frequent safety inspections and investigations.