SRC-ARR S.B. 254 76(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 254
76R3292 JD-FBy: Madla
Health Services
2/22/1999
As Filed


DIGEST 

Currently, Texas law requires that prescriptions written for Schedule II
Controlled Substances be issued on serially numbered triplicate
prescription forms. One form is kept by the doctor, one by the pharmacist,
and one is sent by the pharmacist to the Department of Public Safety (DPS)
for monitoring purposes. In 1995, H.B. 1070 was amended to allow doctors to
use a serially numbered non-transferable sticker to issue a prescription,
and the pharmacist to enter the information into the computer and
electronically transfer the information to DPS.  S.B. 254 authorizes the
director of the DPS to permit the use of triplicate or single prescription
forms under the Texas Controlled Substance Act. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, S.B. 254 authorizes the director of the Department of Public
Safety to permit the use of triplicate or single prescription forms under
the Texas Controlled Substance Act. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, institution, or agency. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 40, Chapter 745, Acts of the 75th Legislature,
Regular Session, 1997 to authorize the director of the Department of Public
Safety, by rule, to permit the use of triplicate or single prescription
forms during a period of transition, rather than during the transition
period but not after March 1, 1999. 

SECTION 2. Emergency clause.
                      Effective date: upon passage.