Compounding Pharmacy Bill Clears U.S. Senate

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A bill tightening oversight of compounding pharmacies is on its way to President Obama after passage by the Senate. 

The measure is a response to a shipment of contaminated drugs which caused a fungal meningitis outbreak that killed more than 60 people in nearly two dozen states last year. 

 The outbreak was traced to a Massachusetts pharmacy. 

The legislation aims to tighten regulations on pharmacies that mix, package and ship medications. 

The Senate approved the measure by a process known as a "voice vote," which can be done as long as no one objects.  (Metro Networks Inc.)