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Senate of Pennsylvania
Session of 2013 - 2014 Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

Posted:	July 20, 2016 04:39 PM
From:	Senator Gene Yaw
To:	All Senate members
Subject:	Prescribing Opioids to Patients

Earlier this month, I introduced legislation to address the increasing risk of children becoming addicted to opioids and heroin after being prescribed painkillers for medical procedures. I plan on introducing a similar bill that will apply for all patients, regardless of age. The legislation will require a health care professional to receive written consent from a patient in order to prescribe a medical treatment containing opioids, as well as to discuss the risks of addiction and dangers of an overdose associated with the medication. The bill would limit the prescription for a controlled substance containing an opioid to seven-days unless there is a medical emergency that puts the patients’ 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.

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