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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2013 - 2014
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | September 3, 2013 10:01 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Matthew E. Baker |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Prescription Drug Monitoring Program |
| In the near future, I plan to introduce Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) legislation. This legislation will create a confidential electronic database of controlled substance prescriptions in Pennsylvania. The prescription drug problem has been described by the Office of Drug Control Policy as "our country's fastest growing drug problem". According to the Centers for Disease Control, in 2007, there were four times as many prescription drug overdose deaths as heroin overdoses deaths and twice as many as cocaine overdose deaths. We need to get this important, life-saving tool in place. Prescription monitoring programs serve multiple functions - law enforcement, prevention and intervention. They improve patient care and prescribing practices, help uncover drug diversion, identify "doctor shopping" and will provide training of health care professionals in prevention, identification of drug problems and referral when appropriate. Please join me in co-sponsorship of this important legislation. |
Introduced as HB1694