HLS 12RS-4281 ORIGINAL
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Regular Session, 2012
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 114
BY REPRESENTATIVE ANDERS
DRUGS/PRESCRIPTION: Requests an evaluation by La. officials of efforts to deter
prescription drug abuse and recommendations for best practices to combat such
abuse
A RESOLUTION1
To urge and request officials in Louisiana to partner with prescribers, pharmacists, school-2
based organizations, and the manufacturers of branded and generic prescription3
medications to evaluate existing efforts at deterring prescription drug abuse,4
determine the effectiveness of current efforts, and make recommendations to the5
state on best practices for combating abuse while ensuring that access is not6
restricted for those individuals who are in need of prescription medications.7
WHEREAS, prescription drug abuse and misuse is an increasing public health8
concern in the United States; and 9
WHEREAS, a balanced approach to preventing prescription drug abuse must ensure10
sufficient access to medications for patients with a legitimate medical need; and 11
WHEREAS, prescription drugs comprise the second-most commonly abused12
category of drugs, behind marijuana and ahead of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and13
other drugs; and14
WHEREAS, the misuse and abuse of prescription drugs has become increasingly15
prevalent among teens and young adults, with evidence that prescription drug abuse is either16
first or second place in abuse prevalence among twelve- to seventeen-year-olds; and17
WHEREAS, while opioids, stimulants, and central nervous system depressants are18
properly used by millions of people, the misuse and abuse of these products are imposing19
increasing costs on individuals, families, and society; and20 HLS 12RS-4281 ORIGINAL
HR NO. 114
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WHEREAS, the personal and financial toll of prescription drug abuse and misuse is1
negatively impacting the states through law enforcement constraints, drug treatment costs,2
and incarceration costs; and3
WHEREAS, efforts to reduce prescription drug abuse should not negatively impact4
a patient's access to necessary and prescribed drug treatments.5
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Representatives of the6
Legislature of Louisiana does hereby urge and request officials in Louisiana to partner with7
prescribers, pharmacists, school-based organizations, and the manufacturers of branded and8
generic prescription medications to evaluate existing efforts at deterring prescription drug9
abuse, determine the effectiveness of current efforts, and make recommendations to the state10
on best practices for combating abuse while ensuring that access is not restricted for those11
individuals who are in need of prescription medications.12
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the13
governor of Louisiana, the Louisiana attorney general, the secretary of the Department of14
Health and Hospitals, the superintendent of the Louisiana State Police, the state15
superintendent of education, the executive director of the Louisiana Board of Pharmacy, the16
executive director of the Louisiana District Attorneys Association, the executive director of17
the Louisiana Sheriffs' Association, and the president of the Louisiana District Judges18
Association.19
DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute
part of the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
Anders HR No. 114
Requests an evaluation by La. officials of efforts to deter prescription drug abuse and
recommendations for best practices to combat such abuse.