About

Don L. Bell began his career working in the Washington DC office of Proskauer Rose LLP as a healthcare associate, before joining the National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) as director of regulatory affairs in 1998. He advanced through several positions at NACDS, becoming general counsel in 2006 and senior vice president in 2008. NACDS represents retailers with pharmacies such as Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid, Albertsons/Safeway, Kroger and about 100 other chains, plus almost 1,000 pharmaceutical companies and consumer packaged goods manufacturers. Bell started NACDS’ major role in litigating on behalf of its chain pharmacy members, and works with member companies virtually every day to assist them with legal and compliance issues facing pharmacies. Through his leadership, the legal department is now completely integrated into all of NACDS’ work, ensuring not only legal compliance but also more effective and holistic representation of the member companies. Recently, the healthcare industry has faced numerous challenges. One example is the ongoing healthcare reform debate, primarily at the federal level but also among states. As Bell explains: ‘The ongoing transformation of the US healthcare system presents major challenges – and opportunities – for our member companies every day. Another example is the ongoing opioid crisis. We are working hard to demonstrate that pharmacies and the pharmaceutical industry can be part of the solution to drug abuse problems’.