Connecticut House Bill HB05778

Connecticut 2015 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/21/15
• Refer: 1/21/15

Caption

An Act Requiring Participation In The Electronic Prescription Drug Monitoring Program.

Impact

If enacted, HB 05778 would significantly change the current practices surrounding the distribution and prescription of controlled substances in the state. Practitioners would need to integrate their operations with the EPDMP, ensuring that they are compliant with the new requirements. This may lead to improvements in tracking prescriptions and potentially reduce the incidence of prescription fraud. Enhanced monitoring could also lead to better data collection about prescription trends, potentially informing public health interventions and policy decisions regarding drug use and addiction.

Summary

House Bill 05778 aims to enhance the management of prescription medications by requiring all medical practitioners who distribute, administer, or prescribe controlled substances to participate in the Electronic Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (EPDMP). The intent of this legislation is to mitigate the improper use and potential abuse of controlled substances. By mandating participation, the bill seeks to establish a more monitored and accountable framework under which medications are prescribed and dispensed, thereby aiming to protect patients and the wider community from drug-related issues.

Contention

The introduction of mandatory participation in the EPDMP may raise concerns among healthcare providers regarding the implications for patient privacy and the administrative burden associated with compliance. Some practitioners may view this requirement as an additional layer of bureaucracy that could complicate their practice. There may also be discussions on the effectiveness of the monitoring program itself and whether it will truly address the issues of substance abuse and misuse. Opponents of the bill might argue that while the intention is commendable, such measures could inadvertently affect patient access to needed medications.