Relating to the use of electronic prescriptions for the prescribing or dispensing of Schedule II controlled substances.
Impact
The implementation of HB2743 is expected to streamline the prescription process for controlled substances, potentially enhancing patient safety by reducing errors associated with handwritten prescriptions. By pushing for a transition to electronic records, the bill aims to leverage technology for better compliance and monitoring of prescribed medications, thus helping mitigate issues such as prescription fraud and abuse. The effective date of the law is specified for future prescriptions issued after January 1, 2018, meaning existing prescriptions will not be affected by this legislative change.
Summary
House Bill 2743 addresses the use of electronic prescriptions specifically for the prescribing or dispensing of Schedule II controlled substances. The central provision of the bill mandates that prescribers and pharmacists utilize an electronic prescription record, eliminating the use of written prescriptions in most cases. Exceptions exist for veterinarians, prescriptions needed outside the state, and scenarios where electronic prescribing is unavailable due to technological failures. A waiver may also be obtained under circumstances of economic hardship or for other exceptional reasons, albeit for no longer than one year.
Contention
While the shift to electronic prescriptions is largely seen as a progressive step, it also raises concerns related to access and economic impact on smaller practices, particularly those that may struggle to afford the necessary technological infrastructure. Critics may voice apprehensions regarding the practical implications for prescribers who face technological limitations or cannot implement electronic systems swiftly. Additionally, the provision for waivers, while a nod to these concerns, may not fully alleviate the burden on practitioners who regularly deal with patients requiring Schedule II medications.
Relating to a pilot program under which lockable, tamper-evident containers are used by participating pharmacies when dispensing schedule II controlled substances.
Relating to the sharing of controlled substance prescription monitoring information between the Texas State Board of Pharmacy and the Health and Human Services Commission for the state Medicaid program.
Relating to the prescribing of medical cannabis for medical use to certain veterans with combat-related injuries or medical conditions and the licensing of dispensing organizations under the Texas Compassionate Use Program.
Relating to offenses involving the manufacture or delivery of certain controlled substances and the enforcement and prevention of those offenses; creating a criminal offense.
Relating to the scheduling of certain controlled substances in response to certain actions by the United States Food and Drug Administration with respect to those substances.
Establishes deadline for DEP implementation of prescribed burn program, and provides for establishment of prescribed burn acreage goals, schedules, calendars, training program, and mobile deployment units to provide on-site prescribed burn training and assistance.