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Senate Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
Senate of Pennsylvania
Session of 2013 - 2014
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | August 18, 2016 10:47 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Senator Gene Yaw |
| To: | All Senate members |
| Subject: | Prescribing Opioids to Minors (All Prescribers) |
| In the near future, I plan to introduce legislation, similar to Senate Bill 1347, that will address the increasing risk of children becoming addicted to opioids and heroin after being prescribed painkillers for medical procedures. This legislation will require all prescribers 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. Senate Bill 1347, in its present form, only requires physicians to receive written consent. This new proposal will include all prescribers who are licensed, registered, or otherwise lawfully authorized to distribute, dispense, or administer a controlled substance containing an opioid in the course of their professional practice in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. 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 SB1367