Bill Summary for H 93 (2021-2022)

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Summary date: 

Feb 16 2021

Bill Information:

View NCGA Bill Details2021
House Bill 93 (Public) Filed Tuesday, February 16, 2021
AN ACT REQUIRING EACH HEALTH CARE PRACTITIONER WHO PRESCRIBES AN OPIOID MEDICATION TO A PATIENT TO PROVIDE EDUCATION ON AND OFFER A PRESCRIPTION FOR AN OPIOID ANTAGONIST FOR THAT PATIENT UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES AND FOR CERTAIN PURPOSES.
Intro. by Sasser, Humphrey, Moffitt, Adcock.

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Bill summary

Enacts GS 90-12.8 to establish new requirements for practitioners prescribing Schedule II controlled substances identified in GS 90-90(1), which includes opium, opiates, and opioids. When writing a prescription for a patient for a Schedule II controlled substance identified in GS 90-90(1), requires co-prescribing an FDA approved drug for complete or partial reversal of opioid-induced respiratory depression, and documenting such in the patient's medical record, if: (1) the prescription dosage is for 50 or more morphine milligram equivalents of an opioid medication per day; (2) the Schedule II controlled substance is prescribed concurrently with a prescription for benzodiazepine; or (3) the patient presents with an increased risk for overdose as evidenced by but not limited to a history of overdose or substance use disorder. Requires providing the patient and one or more persons designated by the patient, or if the patient is a minor, to the minor's parent, guardian, or person standing in loco parentis, with education on overdose prevention and the use of the FDA-approved opioid antagonist, consistent with the existing standard of care. Permits referral to the appropriate licensing board for administrative sanctions practitioners who prescribe a Schedule II controlled substance identified in GS 90-90(1) and fail to co-prescribe an opioid antagonist prescription, or fail to provide the required education and use information. Specifies that the act does not create a private right of action against a practitioner who fails to follow these requirements, and also does not limit a practitioner's liability for negligent diagnosis or treatment. Effective October 1, 2021.