HHS OIG Faults FDA for Incomplete National Drug Code Directory

The HHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) is faulting the FDA for not maintaining the accuracy of its National Drug Code (NDC) directory of approved drugs, an action that may have led Medicaid to cover unapproved medications. To remedy this, the report suggests that drug manufacturers be required by law to list their products in the NDC directory as a prerequisite for Medicaid payment. The report also recommends that the FDA conduct frequent reviews of the directory to ensure accuracy.
Washington Drug Letter