Connecticut House Bill HB05645

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/18/19
• Refer: 1/18/19

Caption

An Act Requiring A Prescribing Practitioner To Inform Any Patient Receiving A Prescription For A Benzodiazepine Drug Of The Side Effects Of Such Drug.

Impact

If enacted, this bill would amend existing health regulations to include the stipulation that prescribing practitioners—such as doctors and nurse practitioners—must provide detailed information regarding the side effects of benzodiazepines. This change would promote a more informed consent process in medical prescriptions, fundamentally impacting the way healthcare providers communicate with their patients about the risks associated with their medications.

Summary

House Bill 5645 aims to enhance patient safety by mandating that any prescribing practitioner inform patients receiving a prescription for benzodiazepine drugs about the potential side effects associated with these medications. Benzodiazepines are commonly prescribed for various conditions, including anxiety and sleep disorders, and their side effects can range from mild drowsiness to severe complications. The bill seeks to ensure that patients are fully aware of these implications before beginning their treatment.

Contention

While the bill is intended to improve transparency between healthcare providers and patients, it may bring about debates concerning the feasibility of compliance among prescribing practitioners. Critics may argue that the requirement could place an additional burden on healthcare providers, especially in fast-paced clinical settings where time is limited. Additionally, some may question whether the information provided would be sufficient to truly empower patients, or if it might inadvertently lead to increased anxiety regarding their treatment.