Oklahoma Senate Bill SB57

Oklahoma 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/1/21
• Refer: 2/2/21
• Report Pass: 2/3/21
• Engrossed: 2/11/21
• Refer: 3/22/21
• Report Pass: 4/8/21
• Enrolled: 4/29/21
• Passed: 5/3/21

Caption

Controlled dangerous substances; authorizing certain access to central repository; patient request; unsolicited notification; prescription limits. Emergency.

Impact

The changes proposed by SB57 redefine the standard of care required for practitioners prescribing opioids. It mandates that medical providers frequently assess patients on opioid therapy to ensure they are not developing substance use disorders and specifies that a patient-provider agreement must be established after a third prescription is filled. This legislation empowers healthcare providers to access a central repository of prescription records to enhance informed decision-making, thereby alleviating concerns related to prescription drug abuse in the state.

Summary

Senate Bill No. 57 aims to amend existing laws concerning the prescription and management of controlled dangerous substances, particularly opioid medications. Striking a balance between patient care and the prevention of opioid misuse, the bill emphasizes protocols for prescribing opioids for acute and chronic pain. Medical practitioners are required to document thorough patient histories, conduct physical examinations, and establish treatment plans. Specifically, initial prescriptions for acute pain are limited to a duration of seven days, and subsequent prescriptions are subject to strict criteria to mitigate the risk of addiction or abuse.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB57 is generally supportive among stakeholders advocating for better management of prescription opioids to combat the ongoing opioid crisis. By instituting stricter controls and better monitoring of prescribing practices, proponents believe the bill will contribute to improved public health outcomes. However, some practitioners express concerns that the increased administrative burden and obligations may hinder their ability to provide personalized patient care, creating a tension between regulatory compliance and clinical practice.

Contention

While SB57 aims to enhance opioid prescription practices, notable points of contention have emerged regarding the possible implications for medical professionals and patient care. Critics argue that limitations on prescription duration and the requirement for ongoing evaluations may lead to unnecessary complications for patients in legitimate need of pain management. Additionally, the scope of access to patient history in the central repository raises privacy concerns, prompting discussions on safeguarding patient confidentiality while simultaneously fighting prescription drug abuse.