FDA Forms Task Force on Drug Shortages The Drug Shortages Task Force will look into persistent drug shortages in the U.S. to find long-term solutions. Dr. Scott Gottlieb, FDA Commisioner, via CNN The FDA monitors drug shortages⁠ through its Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research and its Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. According to the agency's list, current shortages include opioid pain medications, certain anesthetics and various antibiotics. Experts say these shortages are hurting patients. When first-choice drugs are unavailable, doctors often make do with what is on hand, even if that means less effective treatment. According to a recent poll, nine in 10 emergency doctors who responded said they had recently dealt with shortages of critical medicines in the ER.