What does the Ryan Haight Online Pharmacy Consumer Protection Act aim to address?

The Ryan Haight Online Pharmacy Consumer Protection Act focuses primarily on the illegal sales of controlled substances over the internet. This legislation was enacted to combat the growing concern of prescription drug abuse and the ease with which individuals could obtain controlled substances without appropriate medical oversight. The Act establishes strict regulations for online pharmacies, requiring them to be licensed and to have at least one licensed pharmacist available to consult with patients. It aims to ensure that patients receive controlled substances through legitimate medical channels, thereby enhancing public safety and health.

By addressing illegal online pharmacies that circumvent medical protocols and contribute to substance misuse, the Act plays a crucial role in protecting consumers from fraudulent practices and unwanted health consequences. It does not specifically deal with the efficiency of online pharmacies, the protection of patient information in transactions, or regulating medication prices—key factors of online pharmacy operations but not the focal point of this particular legislation.