Portland Retail Druggists Association vs Abbott Laboratories et al, part 2.

The ruling of the U.S. Supreme Court in Abbot Laboratories et al vs Portland Retail Druggists Association is discussed as it relates to hospital pharmacy purchasing practices. Topics covered include: the applicability of the Robinson-Patman Act and its Section 13C exemption to various types of hospitals; definitions of "former patient" and "reasonable quantity"; and recordkeeping requirements. It is concluded that the Portland case should not deter expansion or innovation in health care delivery and ambulatory care services but must be accounted for in implementing new programs.