Maryland House Bill HB1121

Maryland 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/7/24
• Refer: 2/7/24

Caption

Public Health - Opioids and Opioid Overdose Reversal Drugs - Information

Impact

The implementation of HB1121 is expected to have a significant impact on state laws surrounding opioid prescriptions and public health. By mandating that healthcare providers share critical information with patients, the bill aims to enhance public awareness and safety regarding opioid use. The anticipated outcome is a reduction in opioid-related overdoses and associated fatalities, as patients will be better informed about the risks and available preventive measures. This will create a more responsible prescribing environment and encourages healthcare professionals to engage more actively in patient education regarding opioid use.

Summary

House Bill 1121 addresses the critical public health issue of opioid prescriptions and the associated risks of overdose. The bill requires licensed health care providers who prescribe or dispense opioids and opioid overdose reversal drugs to furnish specific information to individuals receiving these prescriptions. This includes potential dangers of opioid use, strategies for overdose prevention, and the availability of FDA-approved opioid antagonists that can reverse respiratory depression due to overdose. Pharmacists are also allowed to meet this requirement by posting the necessary information in a conspicuous location, making it accessible to patients.

Contention

Some potential points of contention regarding HB1121 may arise from the responsibility placed on healthcare providers and pharmacists to ensure that patients receive this information. Critics may argue that the bill imposes additional burdens on healthcare providers who are already managing a high volume of patients. There may also be concerns about the effectiveness of posting information in pharmacies rather than having direct conversations between prescribers and patients. Supporters would likely counter that the requirement is essential for protecting public health and could significantly reduce opioid misuse and overdose deaths.