Requests a study and recommendations by the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners concerning over-prescribing of pain medication
Impact
If implemented, the study mandated by HCR99 could result in significant changes to state laws governing prescription practices. The resolution calls for collaboration with the Louisiana Board of Pharmacy to ensure a thorough exploration of the issues surrounding controlled substances. This collaborative approach is intended to provide a well-rounded understanding of the factors contributing to opioid over-prescription, potentially leading to new regulations intended to mitigate misuse and promote safer prescribing practices among healthcare providers.
Summary
HCR99 is a House Concurrent Resolution introduced in the Louisiana legislature that urges the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners to conduct a study addressing the over-prescribing of pain medications by physicians. The resolution highlights the growing concern surrounding opioid prescriptions, linking them to an alarming increase in addiction rates and the resulting public health crisis. The need for a comprehensive assessment underscores the implications of prescription drug misuse both on individuals and society at large.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding HCR99 appears to be largely supportive within the legislature, as indicated by the unanimous vote in favor of the resolution. Legislators recognize the urgent need to address the opioid crisis and are calling for proactive measures to curb the negative consequences of prescription drug abuse. However, there may be underlying concerns regarding the implications of such studies on physician autonomy and the potential for increased regulation within the medical community.
Contention
Notably, while the resolution has garnered overall support, there are concerns regarding how the findings and recommendations from the proposed study will be received and implemented. Physicians may fear that increased scrutiny on prescription practices could lead to undue restrictions, potentially impacting patient care. Balancing the need for regulatory oversight with the necessity of treating pain effectively is likely to be a contentious point as the study progresses.
Requests the Louisiana Department of Health, Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners, and Louisiana Board of Pharmacy to study and make recommendations relative to certain provisions of Louisiana law on medical marijuana.
Urges and requests the Louisiana State Law Institute to study and make recommendations concerning gun ownership rights of persons who have attempted suicide
Requests the Louisiana State Board of Nursing and the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners to report on the number of advanced practice registered nurses and the number of physician assistants that provide medication-assisted treatment (MAT) in Louisiana.
Urges and requests the Dept. of Health and Hospitals and LSU Board of Supervisors to conduct a study assessing the current and future delivery of health care and medical education in La. and to make recommendations
Urges and requests the Dept. of Health and Hospitals and LSU Board of Supervisors to conduct a study assessing the current and future delivery of health care and medical education in La. and to make recommendations
Requests the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners to study the potential outcomes of allowing sanctioned physicians to practice under supervision and its impact on the physician shortage
Requests the Department of Health and Hospitals, the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners, and the Louisiana State Board of Pharmacy to study certain aspects of the administration of certain immunizations.
Directs the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners to study and make recommendations concerning a potential tiered approach for placing physicians on probation and a best practice for the reporting of the probationary status of a physician to patients