BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 1710

By: Ramos

Public Health

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Concerns have been raised about the continuing opioid epidemic and it has been suggested that preventive measures can be taken to ensure that an individual is made aware at the point of prescription of the dangers of opioid addiction and overdose. H.B. 1710 seeks to address this issue by requiring certain prescribers to discuss certain information with the patient on issuance of the initial prescription for certain drugs.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 1710 amends the Health and Safety Code to require a prescriber, other than a veterinarian, on issuance of the initial prescription for a Schedule II controlled substance or an opioid, to discuss the following information with the patient and, if the patient is a minor, the patient's parent, conservator, or guardian, or other person authorized to consent to the minor's medical treatment:

· the risk of addiction associated with the prescribed drug, including any risk of developing a physical or psychological dependence on the drug;

· the risk of overdose associated with the prescribed drug; and

· the danger of taking the drug with benzodiazepines, alcohol, or other central nervous system depressants.

The bill requires a prescriber who discusses the risks of such a controlled substance prescription to note the discussion in the patient's medical record. 

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2019.