Posted: | June 27, 2016 01:15 PM |
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From: | Senator Gene Yaw |
To: | All Senate members |
Subject: | Prescribing Opioids to Minors |
In the near future, I intend to introduce legislation that will address the increasing risk of children becoming addicted to opioids and heroin after being prescribed painkillers for medical procedures. My legislation will require a health care professional to receive written consent from a minor’s parent or legal guardian in order to prescribe a medical treatment containing opioids, as well as to discuss the risks of addiction and dangers of overdose associated with the medication. The bill would also limit the prescription for a controlled substance containing an opioid to a seven-day duration unless there is a medical emergency that puts the child’s health or safety at risk. This legislation is part of a comprehensive approach to fighting the ongoing heroin and opioid addiction crisis in Pennsylvania. I hope you will join me in co-sponsoring this important legislation. |
Introduced as SB1347