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Rep DeSaulnier in hearing

Representatives DeSaulnier, Carter Pass Measure to Curb Fraudulent Prescriptions as Part of Bipartisan, Bicameral Opioid Package

September 28, 2018

Washington, DC – Today, legislation authored by Representatives Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA) and Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (R-GA) to help curb fraudulent opioid prescriptions passed the House of Representatives as part of the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act (H.R. 6). This massive bipartisan, bicameral agreement to address the opioid epidemic is the result of many months of Congressional hearings and negotiations to help make treatment more readily available, improve research for new non-addictive prescription painkillers, and help prevent "doctor shopping." The package passed by a vote of 393-to-8.

DeSaulnier and Carter's bill, originally introduced as the Empowering Pharmacists in the Fight Against Opioid Abuse Act (H.R. 4275), included in the opioid package would require the Department of Health and Human Services, Drug Enforcement Administration, and other relevant agencies to produce and disseminate materials for pharmacists, health care professionals, and the public that provide guidance on when and how pharmacists can refuse to fill a prescription that they believe to be fraudulent.

"As our nation continues to suffer from the opioid epidemic, empowering pharmacists—who often serve as the last line of defense in the fight against prescription drug abuse—to exercise their right to deny suspected fraudulent prescriptions is critical," said Congressman DeSaulnier. "I am pleased that our bill is a part of this extensive agreement to show people across the country that we are stepping up to help combat the opioid epidemic."

"Approval of this legislation today is great news," said Congressman Carter. "As a pharmacist for more than 30 years, I know firsthand that in many cases, pharmacists are the last line of defense against patients plagued with addiction or interested in wrongdoing. This legislation will ensure pharmacists and health care professionals have the tools they need in this situation. I am proud to lead this fight with my friend Representative DeSaulnier as it is a critical part of our bipartisan fight to end this crisis."


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