Table 3 Opioid-related legislative measures/initiatives adopted in PA to address the opioid crisis
Name of Legislation/Initiative | Year adopted/ initiated | Summary of Purpose |
|---|---|---|
Act 191 (PA Legislature) | 2014 | Requires monitoring Schedule II through Schedule V controlled substances; the PA DOH has become responsible for the development and maintenance of the new PDMP system [22]. |
Act 126 (PA Legislature) | 2016 | Restricts total opioid prescription amounts and refills [31]. |
Act 122 (PA Legislature) | 2016 | Establishes a list of opioid initiation requirements and creates a limit of 7 days for prescribing opioids to minors [32]. |
Act 124 (PA Legislature) | 2016 | Mandates that providers consult patient prescription records in the PDMP prior to prescribing and refilling every opioid/benzodiazepine; amends dispenser requirements to submit data to PDMP within 24 hours [33]. |
Drug Enforcement Agency 360 Initiative | 2016 | Provision of resources to educate youth about the dangers of opioid usage; developing relationships and discussions between various entities in order to lower rates of opioid overdoses; creating networks to prevent opioid use disorder (OUD) and protect those who have OUD [24]. |
PA Centers of Excellence Network | 2016 | Ensures that individuals with OUD receive coordinated and integrated care, with coverage through Medicaid; creates networks to prevent opioid use disorder (OUD) and protect those who have OUD [24]. |