Texas Senate Bill SB1412

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to the powers and duties of certain prescribers and dispensers of controlled substances and to the regulatory agencies that issue a license, certification, or registration to the prescribers or dispensers.

Impact

This bill modifies the Health and Safety Code by amending existing provisions regarding access to prescription history records. By requiring prescribers and dispensers to review a patient's recent use of high-risk medications prior to prescribing or dispensing new prescriptions, SB1412 is expected to reduce instances of drug misuse and support efforts to control the opioid crisis. Additionally, the regulatory agencies overseeing these practitioners are granted more comprehensive monitoring powers over the prescribing and dispensing actions of those licensed individuals.

Summary

SB1412 is a legislative act that relates to the powers and duties of certain prescribers and dispensers of controlled substances in Texas, aiming to enhance the regulation of these practitioners and the safety of prescribing practices. It mandates that authorized individuals, such as pharmacists and medical professionals, must access a patient's prescription history for certain drugs, including opioids and benzodiazepines, before dispensing these medications. This is intended to prevent prescription abuse and promote safer prescribing practices among medical professionals.

Contention

Some key points of contention around SB1412 involve concerns from practitioners about the feasibility of increased monitoring requirements in their workflow. While advocates argue that enhanced oversight is critical for patient safety and addressing drug abuse, critics may worry that such regulations could lead to bureaucratic burdens, potentially reducing the availability of needed medications for legitimate patients. Furthermore, there is an ongoing debate regarding how these requirements might impact the doctor-patient relationship and the autonomy of healthcare providers.