Can drugs administered in the emergency department qualify for 340B?

Drugs administered in the emergency department can indeed qualify for the 340B Drug Pricing Program. The 340B Program allows eligible healthcare organizations, such as disproportionate share hospitals and certain federally qualified health centers, to purchase outpatient drugs at discounted prices. The key point here is that the drugs must be part of the outpatient services provided by the covered entity.

When a drug is administered in the emergency department, it is typically considered an outpatient service, as the patient is not formally admitted to the hospital. Therefore, as long as the healthcare provider is registered as a 340B covered entity, they can purchase those outpatient drugs at the discounted 340B rate. This feature is crucial as it allows facilities to better manage their drug costs and expand access to medications for vulnerable populations, which is the primary intent behind the 340B Program.

Other options suggest circumstances under which drugs might not qualify, but the straightforward nature of emergency department care as an outpatient service aligns with the eligibility criteria for 340B discounts.