Oregon House approves ‘Right to Try’ measure

The Oregon House voted unanimously Tuesday to pass HB 2300, a bill that would allow terminally ill patients to access experimental treatments that have not yet been approved for market.

Rep. Knute Buehler, R-Bend, who led the bipartisan work group assigned to the bill, spoke in favor of HB 2300, also known as Right to Try legislation.

“I understand, as do patients, there are risks associated with the experimental treatments,” Buehler said. “However, when you are out of options, simply having a choice allows hope.”

Insurance companies would not be required to cover the drug or complications that arise from using it.

Right to try bills are advocated by the Goldwater Institute, a Phoenix-based libertarian think tank. Five states adopted the Legislation last year, and it’s under consideration in many others.

The Food and Drug Administration approval process is very expensive and can take many years to complete, the lawmaker noted. Due to rigorous testing standards, limited availability and travel requirements, clinical trials are difficult for patients to participate in.

HB 2300 would allow terminally ill patients to access drugs or treatments that have successfully completed Phase I of the FDA approval process.

“Right to Try will help save lives and give terminally ill people and their families hope,” Buehler added. “As a doctor, I believe there is nothing more important than protecting the lives of my patients and providing them with options.”

HB 2300 now goes to the Oregon Senate for approval. If Right to Try is signed into law, Oregon will join a select few states that have passed similar legislation.

The FDA has already taken notice of the momentum behind Right to Try and in response announced plans to fix their own program, Buehler said.

“Right to Try is consistent with Oregon’s long leadership in health care innovation and care of our most vulnerable citizens,” he added.