Mar 29, 2018 2 min read

In light of a research brief released by Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council, state Rep. Jason Ortitay, R-South Fayette, has introduced two bills related to opioid addiction.

Data from the federal Centers for Disease Control shows Pennsylvania had the highest percentage increase in drug overdose deaths from 2016 to 2017, while 14 states saw a decrease in overdose deaths. House Bill 2200 would require all state agencies to report and detail efforts they have undertaken to implement state law related to addiction, and suggest both action that needs to be taken and any new laws.

Additionally, the bill would require the state attorney general to “marshal” all Pennsylvania plaintiffs seeking damages from the pharmaceutical industry to hold it accountable to taxpayers.The bill also would require the Department of State to report how it is implementing a requirement that continuing medical education be offered on the effectiveness of treating addicts flagged by the state’s prescription drug monitoring program or rescued by naloxone, the brand name of which is Narcan.

House Bill 2201 would create guidelines medical professionals must follow when prescribing opioids. The state Department of Health and Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs in 2014 created a Safe and Effective Prescribing Practice Task Force, which developed voluntary guidelines on the treatment of pain.

This bill would require prescribers to follow the task force’s procedures regardless if the person is privately insured or covered by a governmental health program, such as Medicaid.

The bills will be assigned to the House Human Services Committee.