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Senate Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
Senate of Pennsylvania
Session of 2021 - 2022
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | December 28, 2020 11:35 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Senator Gene Yaw |
| To: | All Senate members |
| Subject: | Prescribing Opioids to Patients |
| In the near future, I plan to re-introduce legislation, previously SB 112 of the 2019-20 session, that will address the increasing risk of individuals becoming addicted to opioids and heroin after being prescribed painkillers for medical procedures. This legislation 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 is more important now than ever with opioid overdoses and dependence and addiction rising throughout the nation due in large measure to the isolation created by the coronavirus pandemic. The legislation will also require all prescribers who are licensed, registered, or otherwise lawfully authorized to distribute, dispense, or administer a controlled substance containing an opioid to discuss the risks of addiction and dangers of overdose associated with the medication. 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 SB169
Memo Updated: December 28, 2020 11:36 AM