What is a key requirement of the Prescription Drug Marketing Act of 1987?

The Prescription Drug Marketing Act of 1987 primarily aimed to protect the public health by controlling the distribution of prescription drugs and ensuring their integrity. A significant requirement of this act is the licensing of drug wholesalers by state authorities. This licensing process is crucial as it helps to ensure that only qualified parties can engage in the wholesale distribution of prescription medications, which, in turn, supports the prevention of counterfeit drugs from entering the supply chain.

The act emphasizes the importance of maintaining a controlled and regulated pharmaceutical distribution environment, thus promoting patient safety and effective drug management. By requiring states to license wholesalers, the act ensures that these entities adhere to specific standards and regulations, fostering accountability within the drug distribution network. This measure ultimately bolsters the overall safety and reliability of prescription drugs available to consumers.