Texas House Bill HB3208

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to powers and duties of certain prescribers and dispensers of controlled substances and the regulatory agencies that issue a license, certification, or registration to the prescriber or dispenser; following the recommendations of the Sunset Advisory Commission.

Impact

The bill introduces significant amendments to the Health and Safety Code, specifically sections dealing with the proper handling of prescriptions. It mandates that prescribers access a patient's prescription history before issuing controlled substances, ensuring that practitioners have adequate information to prevent potential complications arising from concurrent prescriptions. This change is aimed at enhancing patient safety and ensuring that prescriptions are issued responsibly. Additionally, veterinarians dispensing controlled substances are held to similar standards, necessitating the collection of detailed records and timely reporting to regulatory boards.

Summary

House Bill 3208 addresses the powers and duties of prescribers and dispensers of controlled substances within Texas, specifically focusing on the responsibilities of regulatory agencies overseeing these entities. Following recommendations from the Sunset Advisory Commission, the bill seeks to create stricter regulations regarding the prescription and dispensing practices related to controlled substances, including opioids, benzodiazepines, and barbiturates. One of the primary objectives of this legislation is to enhance the monitoring processes for harmful prescribing or dispensing patterns, thereby mitigating the potential for drug abuse and diversion.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support from various health and regulatory bodies as a necessary step to combat drug abuse, there are concerns over the implications for prescriber autonomy and the additional administrative burdens placed on healthcare providers. Critics argue that heightened regulatory scrutiny may impede timely patient care, especially for those who require medications for legitimate medical conditions. The balance between preventing drug abuse and ensuring access to necessary medications remains a point of contention among stakeholders involved in the legislative process.