Gassman supports opioid bill

Last week, Rep. Tedd Gassman (R-Scarville) voted in support of House File 2377, which will help address the opioid epidemic in Iowa. The bill focuses on preventing doctor shopping, reducing over prescribing, and supporting individuals suffering from addiction.
 “The opioid epidemic has had a devastating impact on our communities and the lives of numerous Iowa families,” said Gassman. “Opioid addiction can impact nearly anyone. It isn’t limited to a particular race, gender, or economic status. This legislation will help those Iowans who are suffering from an addiction and will save countless lives.”
 In recent years, opioid overdose deaths and related deaths  more than doubled from 95 in 2005 to 301 in 2017. Additionally, individuals seeking opioid treatment have more than tripled, growing from 608 in 2005 to 2,274 in 2016. More information about the impact of the opioid epidemic in Iowa can be found on the Iowa Department of Public Health’s website.
 Specifically, House File 2377 takes a comprehensive approach to address the issue of opioid addiction and dependence:
 • Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP)—Prevention
• Funds the new state of the art PMP—EHR integration, access to data
• Require prescribers to register for the PMP
Currently, only 45 percent of prescribers are registered to use the PMP
• Require providers to use PMP when prescribing controlled substances
26 states mandate prescriber participation in PMPs—states show large reductions in opioid prescriptions
• Require electronic prescribing to eliminate fraud
• Require pharmacies to report to the PMP within one business day to move towards real-time data submission and decrease doctor shopping
• Proactive notification—recognize patients at a high risk for opioid abuse and addiction
• Penalties for violations will be handled by respective licensing boards
•Provider Education—annual activity report
Controlled Substance Limitations
• Prohibits controlled substance prescriptions from being filled more than six months after the date prescribed
• Prohibits schedule II prescriptions from being refilled
Examples include oxycodone, fentanyl, or morphine.
Opioid Antagonist Reporting
• Requires EMS providers/First Responders to report to the PMP if they administer an opioid antagonist
•Requires naloxone to be reported to the PMP when dispensed by a pharmacy
 Good Samaritan Law
• Provides immunity from some civil, criminal, or professional liability to a person calling 911 to seek help for a drug overdose and for the person experiencing the overdose.
• 40 states and DC have Good Samaritan laws
• Exceptions for drug dealers and repeat offenders
 The bill passed the Iowa House on a unanimous 98-0 vote and now goes to the Iowa Senate for consideration.