State lawmakers in Lansing, Mich., will soon address proposed legislation designed to quell the state's opioid abuse epidemic, according to Michigan Radio.
State Senator Tonya Schuitmaker, R-Lawton, proposed several bills to tighten prescriptions in the state. One bill would require physicians to enter prescriptions into the Michigan Automated Prescription System and monitor the system before administering an opioid prescription. If passed, another bill would mandate physicians who do not monitor the system to complete remedial continuing medical education requirements to maintain their license.
"Opioid related overdoses are skyrocketing nationwide, and unfortunately, Michigan's overdose death rate is one of the highest in the nation," said Ms. Schuitmaker in a written statement. "The number of controlled substances prescribed in Michigan has nearly quadrupled over the past eight years. Currently, few doctors consult MAPS before prescribing highly addictive substances. These bills ensure that doctors will have all relevant information regarding a patient's prescription history."
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