Rhode Island Senate Bill S0795

Rhode Island 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/14/25
• Refer: 3/14/25

Caption

Increases the maximum fill for non-opioid, non-narcotic controlled substances found in schedule II, so that a ninety-day (90) supply may be dispensed at any one time.

Impact

If enacted, S0795 is expected to simplify the prescription process for both patients and healthcare providers by allowing larger quantities of medication to be prescribed and dispensed at a single time. This change could help alleviate situations where patients need frequent trips to the pharmacy for refills, thus enhancing medication adherence. It may also support healthcare professionals in managing patient care over a longer duration without requiring multiple prescriptions, especially for patients with chronic conditions or undergoing long-term treatment.

Summary

Bill S0795 seeks to amend the existing regulations under the Uniform Controlled Substances Act by increasing the maximum fill quantity for non-opioid, non-narcotic controlled substances classified under schedule II. This proposed legislation allows for a ninety-day supply of these substances to be dispensed at once, expanding the capacity for pharmacists to provide medication to patients in need. The bill is aimed at improving access to medication while maintaining the regulations surrounding prescription drugs.

Contention

There may be concerns surrounding the potential for misuse or abuse of non-opioid controlled substances due to the increased dispensing limits. Some stakeholders could argue that lenient rules on dispensing might lead to higher quantities of these substances being available, raising the risk of overdose or dependency. Additionally, there could be debate surrounding the adequacy of patient education about the safe use of these medications, particularly related to larger quantities being prescribed and the responsibility of healthcare providers to ensure compliance with associated safety measures.