AAAAI and Representative Griffith Together Push for a Bill on Penicillin Allergy Delabeling
The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) has warmly welcomed the reintroduction of the Penicillin Allergy Verification and Evaluation (PAVE) Act by Representative Morgan Griffith (R-VA), alongside co-sponsors from both parties. This significant step forward, highlighted during a press release on October 13, 2025, emphasizes the importance of verifying and possibly delabeling penicillin allergies, particularly for older adults under Medicare. This legislation targets a common issue: unverified penicillin allergies often lead to unnecessary restrictions in antibiotic prescribing, which can have dire consequences, especially in a vulnerable senior population.
Representative Griffith, who champions healthcare solutions for seniors, stated, "As Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, I am committed to advancing health care solutions that help America's seniors." He highlighted the PAVE Act's goal to incorporate penicillin allergy screening into Medicare's initial preventive examinations. By improving access to testing and appropriate treatments, the bill aims to secure better health outcomes for patients.
Frank Virant, MD, President of AAAAI, echoed Griffith's sentiments, emphasizing the safety and cost-effectiveness of penicillin evaluation. The PAVE Act acknowledges that many patients labeled as penicillin-allergic could safely use the drug, which can significantly improve their health outcomes, reduce healthcare costs, and contribute to combatting the rising issue of antimicrobial resistance. Additionally, patients benefit by avoiding adverse reactions associated with alternative antibiotics and become better safeguarded against various infections, whether in healthcare facilities or at home.
This initiative comes as America faces an increasing challenge with antimicrobial resistance, making it imperative that patients have access to the most effective treatments available. The bill aims not only to standardize the denoting of penicillin allergies but also to foster a broader acceptance of this public health intervention, positively impacting senior health care nationwide.
At its core, the PAVE Act proposes the inclusion of penicillin allergy verification and subsequent delabeling into Medicare Initial Preventative Physical Exam (IPPE) and Annual Wellness Visit (AWV). This alteration is crucial as it targets the unnecessary hurdles currently faced by senior patients due to unverified allergies documented in their medical records, which often results in inadequate antibiotic treatment.
Numerous healthcare organizations have expressed their support for the PAVE Act, recognizing its potential to improve patient care while reducing overall healthcare expenditures. These organizations include prominent national bodies such as the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, and many others representing various facets of healthcare.
The significance of adopting this act extends beyond patient benefits; it facilitates a shift towards improved antibiotic stewardship, crucial for managing and mitigating future healthcare challenges. As healthcare providers aim to return their patients to work and everyday activities as swiftly as possible, effective management of penicillin allergies becomes paramount.
By providing patients with better access to the medications they need, the PAVE Act exemplifies a strategic approach to healthcare reform focused on safety, effectiveness, and economic sustainability. The AAAAI is dedicated to promoting the awareness of penicillin allergy delabeling through various educational resources aimed at both patients and healthcare providers. For further information and resources, stakeholders are invited to visit the AAAAI Penicillin Allergy Center.
As the legislative process for the PAVE Act unfolds, the healthcare community holds its breath in anticipation of the positive changes it promises for American seniors. This legislation represents a substantial advance not only in managing penicillin allergies but also in fostering a more comprehensive, patient-centered approach to healthcare, providing beneficial solutions for the future.
The PAVE Act is a vital reminder of the continuous need for collaboration across political lines to address pressing health issues and ensure that all Americans have access to the care they deserve.
Representative Griffith, who champions healthcare solutions for seniors, stated, "As Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, I am committed to advancing health care solutions that help America's seniors." He highlighted the PAVE Act's goal to incorporate penicillin allergy screening into Medicare's initial preventive examinations. By improving access to testing and appropriate treatments, the bill aims to secure better health outcomes for patients.
Frank Virant, MD, President of AAAAI, echoed Griffith's sentiments, emphasizing the safety and cost-effectiveness of penicillin evaluation. The PAVE Act acknowledges that many patients labeled as penicillin-allergic could safely use the drug, which can significantly improve their health outcomes, reduce healthcare costs, and contribute to combatting the rising issue of antimicrobial resistance. Additionally, patients benefit by avoiding adverse reactions associated with alternative antibiotics and become better safeguarded against various infections, whether in healthcare facilities or at home.
This initiative comes as America faces an increasing challenge with antimicrobial resistance, making it imperative that patients have access to the most effective treatments available. The bill aims not only to standardize the denoting of penicillin allergies but also to foster a broader acceptance of this public health intervention, positively impacting senior health care nationwide.
At its core, the PAVE Act proposes the inclusion of penicillin allergy verification and subsequent delabeling into Medicare Initial Preventative Physical Exam (IPPE) and Annual Wellness Visit (AWV). This alteration is crucial as it targets the unnecessary hurdles currently faced by senior patients due to unverified allergies documented in their medical records, which often results in inadequate antibiotic treatment.
Numerous healthcare organizations have expressed their support for the PAVE Act, recognizing its potential to improve patient care while reducing overall healthcare expenditures. These organizations include prominent national bodies such as the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, and many others representing various facets of healthcare.
The significance of adopting this act extends beyond patient benefits; it facilitates a shift towards improved antibiotic stewardship, crucial for managing and mitigating future healthcare challenges. As healthcare providers aim to return their patients to work and everyday activities as swiftly as possible, effective management of penicillin allergies becomes paramount.
By providing patients with better access to the medications they need, the PAVE Act exemplifies a strategic approach to healthcare reform focused on safety, effectiveness, and economic sustainability. The AAAAI is dedicated to promoting the awareness of penicillin allergy delabeling through various educational resources aimed at both patients and healthcare providers. For further information and resources, stakeholders are invited to visit the AAAAI Penicillin Allergy Center.
As the legislative process for the PAVE Act unfolds, the healthcare community holds its breath in anticipation of the positive changes it promises for American seniors. This legislation represents a substantial advance not only in managing penicillin allergies but also in fostering a more comprehensive, patient-centered approach to healthcare, providing beneficial solutions for the future.
The PAVE Act is a vital reminder of the continuous need for collaboration across political lines to address pressing health issues and ensure that all Americans have access to the care they deserve.
Topics Health）
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