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Regular Session, 2012 ENROLLED
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 134
BY SENATOR RISER
A RESOLUTION
To urge and request officials in Louisiana to partner with prescribers, pharmacists, school-
based organizations, and the manufacturers of branded and generic prescription
medications to evaluate existing efforts at deterring prescription drug abuse,
determine the effectiveness of current efforts and make recommendations to the state
on best practices for combating abuse while ensuring that access is not restricted for
those individuals who are in need of prescription medications.
WHEREAS, prescription drug abuse and misuse is an increasing public health
concern in the United States; and
WHEREAS, a balanced approach to preventing prescription drug abuse must ensure
sufficient access to medications for patients with a legitimate medical need; and
WHEREAS, prescription drugs account for the second most commonly abused
category of drugs, behind marijuana and ahead of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and
other drugs; and
WHEREAS, the misuse and abuse of prescription drugs has become increasingly
prevalent among teens and young adults as among 12-17 year olds, prescription drug abuse
took either first or second place in abuse prevalence; and
WHEREAS, while opioids, stimulants, and central nervous system depressants are
properly used by millions of people, the misuse and abuse of these products are imposing
increasing costs on individuals, families, and society; and
WHEREAS, the personal and financial toll of prescription drug abuse and misuse are
negatively impacting the states through law enforcement constraints, drug treatment costs
and incarceration costs; and
WHEREAS, efforts to reduce prescription drug abuse should not negatively impact
a patient's access to necessary and prescribed drug treatments.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana
does hereby urge and request officials in Louisiana to partner with prescribers, pharmacists,
school-based organizations, and the manufacturers of branded and generic prescription SR NO. 134 ENROLLED
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medications to evaluate existing efforts at deterring prescription drug abuse, determine the
effectiveness of current efforts and make recommendations to the state on best practices for
combating abuse while ensuring that access is not restricted for those individuals who are
in need of prescription medications.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the
governor, the attorney general, the secretary of the Department of Health and Hospitals, the
colonel of the office of the Louisiana State Police, the state superintendent of education, the
president of the Louisiana Board of Pharmacy, the president of the Louisiana District
Attorneys Association, the president of the Louisiana Sheriffs' Association, and the president
of the Louisiana District Judges Association.
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE