What is the main focus of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990?

The primary aim of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 (OBRA ’90) was to enhance the quality of pharmaceutical care provided to patients. This legislation specifically mandates that pharmacists engage in patient counseling and perform drug utilization reviews (DUR) to ensure medication safety and effectiveness.

Patient counseling allows pharmacists to communicate important information regarding prescriptions, such as how to take medications, potential side effects, and the importance of adherence to therapy, which ultimately improves patient health outcomes. The requirement for drug utilization review entails a systematic process where pharmacists review patient medication regimens to identify any potential prescribing issues, such as drug interactions, incorrect dosages, or unnecessary medications.

This focus on improving the care provided by pharmacists is foundational in promoting responsible medication use and enhancing public health, distinguishing OBRA ’90 as a landmark legislation in pharmacy practice.

The other options, while relevant to pharmacy practice, do not encapsulate the core purpose of OBRA ’90: regulating controlled substances primarily pertains to issues of security and legal distribution; drug price competition is more aligned with policies promoting market access and affordability; and the approval of new drug applications focuses on the FDA's regulatory processes, rather than the clinical aspects of pharmaceutical care that OBRA aims to address.