Florida Governor Proposes Limit on Prescribed Opioids

At the end of September, Florida Governor Rick Scott announced that during the upcoming legislative session, he will propose new legislation – including more than $50 million to next year’s budget – to combat opioid abuse in Florida. The proposed legislation will include: Placing a three-day limit on prescribed opioids, unless strict conditions are met for a seven-day supply; Requiring all healthcare professionals that prescribe or dispense medication to participate in the Florida Prescription Drug Monitoring Program, a statewide database that monitors controlled substance prescriptions; and  Additional reforms to fight unlicensed pain management clinics, require continuing education courses on responsibly prescribing opioids, and create new opportunities for federal grant funding. The proposed investment of more than $50 million will include funding for: Substance abuse treatment Counseling and recovery services The Florida Violent Crime and Drug Control Council In announcing the proposal, Governor Scott released the following statement, We made a commitment here in Florida to do everything possible to support our communities and fight the national opioid epidemic, and while we have taken major steps to fight this crisis, more must be done. Today, I am proud to announce that I will propose major legislation during the upcoming legislative session and more than $50 million in my recommended budget to combat opioid abuse in our state. As I travel...
Source: Policy and Medicine - Category: American Health Authors: Source Type: blogs