Requiring a prescriber discuss the risks of certain addictive controlled substances and alternatives to such substances with a patient before issuing a prescription for such subtances.
Impact
If enacted, this bill will amend existing regulations around prescription practices in the state, reinforcing the roles of prescribers in ensuring that patients fully understand the implications of their treatment plans. The legislation encourages the documentation of discussions in medical records, thereby promoting accountability among health care providers. The bill aims to address the growing epidemic of opioid addiction by ensuring patients are informed and have considered alternative treatments before initiating a course of opioid therapy.
Summary
House Bill 2686 requires that prescribers engage patients in discussions concerning the risks and alternatives associated with certain addictive controlled substances prior to issuing prescriptions. The bill specifically targets Schedule II controlled substances and other prescription-only drugs intended for treating acute or chronic pain. A key aspect of the legislation is its emphasis on educating patients about the potential for addiction and the risks of overdose, especially when these drugs are combined with other central nervous system depressants such as alcohol or benzodiazepines.
Contention
While many stakeholders agree on the need for increased awareness regarding opioid prescriptions, there may be contention regarding how prescribers will implement these requirements consistently. Concerns have been raised regarding the potential burden on healthcare providers, especially in high-volume practices where thorough discussions may be time-consuming. Moreover, concerns exist on whether the bill adequately addresses patients already undergoing treatment for conditions such as cancer or substance abuse, as the bill explicitly excludes certain groups from its requirements.
Permits patients to indicate that they should not be prescribed opiates and certain other controlled substances in prescription monitoring program information.
Requires practitioners to discuss certain risks with a patient who is being prescribed a schedule II controlled substance or an opioid analgesic; requires the department of health to develop practitioner guidelines.
Requires practitioners to discuss certain risks with a patient who is being prescribed a schedule II controlled substance or an opioid analgesic; requires the department of health to develop practitioner guidelines.
Physicians assistants; Pharmacy Act; prescriptions for controlled dangerous substances; Physician Assistant Act; Committee; members; requirements; Public Health Code; authority for physician assistants to carry out certain functions; prescribing and administering controlled substances; supervision.
Physicians assistants; Pharmacy Act; prescriptions for controlled dangerous substances; Physician Assistant Act; Committee; members; requirements; Public Health Code; authority for physician assistants to carry out certain functions; prescribing and administering controlled substances; supervision.
Establishes deadline for DEP implementation of prescribed burn program, and provides for establishment of prescribed burn acreage goals, schedules, calendars, training program, and mobile deployment units to provide on-site prescribed burn training and assistance.