SPEAKER CORCORAN AND GOVERNOR SCOTT ADDRESS OPIOD ABUSE IN FLORIDA

The framework outlined addresses prescriber responsibility and limits, mandates that doctors use the monitoring program, limits prescription length, and requires more data sharing to spot abuses and prevent new addiction

Tallahassee, FL – Speaker Richard Corcoran released the following statement after Gov. Rick Scott outlined a proposal to address opioid abuse in Florida. This proposal will rein in out-of-control prescribing of Schedule II opioids. After the announcement Speaker Corcoran said,

“I’m proud to join Gov. Scott in this aggressive approach to tackling this public health crisis. We’ve all seen the heartbreaking images of parents passed out in a car while their kids sit in the backseat. It is shocking but it is avoidable. This proposal goes directly at the source of the addiction – the initial prescription – and places serious restrictions on providers. It also addresses doctor shopping and state cross-border abuse.”

Speaker Corcoran concluded by saying, ”None of us wants another child to lose a parent or another parent to bury a child. I sincerely hope the medical community will join in addressing this prescription abuse and help us save lives.”

The framework of the policy initiative is as follows:

CONTINUING EDUCATION FOR CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE PRESCRIBERS

Require continuing education for all controlled substance prescribers as a condition of licensure:

  • This applies to each practitioner with a federal DEA controlled substance license – including physicians, physician assistants, and advanced practice nurses.
  • The 2-hour course must be board-approved, may be offered in a distance-learning format and is included within the continuing education hours currently required by law.

CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE PRESCRIBING LIMITS

Limit initial opioid prescriptions for Schedule II opioids (such as Percocet, Vicodin, OxyContin and Morphine):

  • A 3-day limit for treatment of acute pain associated with surgery, trauma or acute illness.
  • A 7-day supply limit if the prescriber:
    • Determines that amount is “medically necessary” to treat the patient’s acute pain, in his or her professional judgment;
    • Documents the acute medical condition and a lack of alternative treatment options; and
    • Follows guidelines for prescribing controlled substances.

PRESCRIPTION DRUG MONITORING PROGRAM (PDMP) – MANDATORY USE

Require prescribers and dispensers to check the PDMP before prescribing or dispensing to the patient for the first time, and at least every 90 days thereafter.

  • Exceptions apply if the system is not operational or if consulting the PDMP adversely impacts the patient’s medical condition.
  • Failure to check the PDMP would result in a non-disciplinary license citation.

PRESCRIPTION DRUG MONITORING PROGRAM (PDMP) – NATIONAL DATA SHARING

Allow Florida’s PDMP to share data with other states and the federal government and access their PDMP data.

CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE ACT

Update the Florida controlled substance law, which would expand the types of prescriptions reported to the PDMP and authorize state-level law enforcement actions on those drugs.

PAIN MANAGEMENT CLINIC REGISTRATION

Require clinics to prove their qualification for exempt status.

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