The long-awaited “guidance” that was expected to bring potentially major changes to the federal section 340B prescription drug discount program has been withdrawn by the Department of Health and Human Services’ Health Resources and Services Administration.

The final guidance, based on proposed guidance released in mid-2015, was expected to redefine the patients, providers, and prescription drugs eligible to participate in the 340B program. The document was thought to be in the final stages of review by the Office of Management and Budget.

Most private safety-net hospitals are eligible for and participate in the 340B program and it is essential to their ability to serve their communities.

Learn more about the proposed guidance, what it was expected to address, who is relieved and who is unhappy about its withdrawal, and why it was withdrawn in this article in Becker’s Hospital Review.