Bill Text: VA SJR75 | 2010 | Regular Session | Engrossed

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Bill Title: Prescription Monitoring Program; DHP to collect data about utilization by prescribers & dispensers.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)

Status: (Engrossed - Dead) 2010-03-04 - House: Incorporated by Rules (SJ73-Hanger) by voice vote [SJR75 Detail]

Download: Virginia-2010-SJR75-Engrossed.html

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10103344D
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 75 Senate Amendments in [ ] -- February 16, 2010 Requesting the Department of Health Professions to collect data and information about utilization of the Prescription Monitoring Program by prescribers and dispensers of controlled substances and responses to notifications sent by the Department to prescribers and dispensers. Report. ---------- Patron Prior to Engrossment--Senator Hanger ---------- Referred to Committee on Rules ----------

WHEREAS, prescription medications such as pain relievers, tranquilizers, stimulants, and sedatives have substantial benefits when used appropriately but can result in serious negative consequences to the individual and society when used in an inappropriate or illegal manner; and

WHEREAS, while most people use prescription medications lawfully and as directed by the prescriber, a growing number of persons are engaging in the inappropriate, illegal, nonmedical use and abuse of prescription medications; and

WHEREAS, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner reports that between 2003 and 2007, the last year for which data is currently available, the number of drug-caused deaths in the Commonwealth rose from 564 deaths in 2003 to 717 deaths, or 8.9 deaths per 100,000 people, in 2007, with a substantial majority of such deaths linked to the use or abuse of prescription medications; and

WHEREAS, the Department of Health Profession's Prescription Monitoring Program provides a valuable tool that prescribers and dispensers of prescription medications can use to identify individuals who may be misusing or abusing prescription drugs, reduce rates of prescription drug misuse and abuse, and protect the health and safety of Virginians; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the Department of Health Professions be requested to collect data on and information about utilization of the Prescription Monitoring Program by prescribers and dispensers of controlled substances and responses to notifications sent by the Department to prescribers  [ and dispensers  ] .

Data and information about use of the Prescription Monitoring Program and responses to notifications collected and reported by the Department of Health Professions shall include, for each month of 2010: (i) the number of registered  [ agents users  ]  eligible to receive reports from the Prescription Monitoring Program; (ii) the number of reports of dispensing of covered medications submitted to the Prescription Monitoring Program; (iii) the number of exemptions from reporting requirements authorized; (iv) the number of requests for information from registered  [ agents users  ]  made and responded to; (v) the number of notifications of  [ substantial or unusual prescribing or dispensing activity or  ]  indications of potential misuse  [  or abuse  ] of covered substances sent to prescribers  [ and dispensers,  ]  and the number and nature of responses to such notifications; (vi) the number of responses to requests for information relevant to an investigation of a specific recipient, prescriber, or dispenser made, and the agency or entity to which such information was released; and (vii) the number of disciplinary proceedings initiated by a health regulatory board against a person required to report dispensing of a covered substance to the Prescription Monitoring Program for failure to report as required. The Department shall also include any recommendations for changes to the Prescription Monitoring Program and any other information relevant to the use of the Prescription Monitoring Program as the Department shall deem appropriate.

All agencies of the Commonwealth shall provide assistance to the Department of Health Professions in collecting the information, upon request.

The Department of Health Professions shall submit to the Division of Legislative Automated Systems an executive summary and a report of the data on and information about utilization of the Prescription Monitoring Program by prescribers and dispensers of controlled substances and responses to notifications sent by the Department to prescribers and dispensers no later than the first day of the 2011 Regular Session of the General Assembly. The executive summary and report of data and information shall be submitted for publication as a report document as provided in the procedures of the Division of Legislative Automated Systems for the processing of legislative documents and reports and shall be posted on the General Assembly's website.