Dover – Delaware’s prescription monitoring efforts will be strengthened by legislation that received final approval in the General Assembly today and makes its way to Governor Markell for his signature.  Senate Bill 119, which passed the House unanimously tonight, responds to the recognition that increasing numbers of prescription drug addicts are turning to emergency rooms and urgent care clinics to obtain narcotics as enhanced enforcement has limited previous sources of drugs.  The legislation was developed by Attorney Biden’s office after consultations with regulators, medical professionals, and legislators and was introduced by two legislators who work as nurses: Senator Bethany-Hall Long, D-Middletown, chairwoman of the Senate’s Health and Social Services Committee, and Representative Rebecca Walker, D-Middletown.

SB 119 builds on Delaware’s prescription drug monitoring program by:

• Limiting all medical facilities except licensed pharmacies from dispensing more than a 72-hour supply of a controlled substance to patients
• Requiring all “dispensers” to enter any prescription of a controlled substance into the PMP, just as pharmacies are currently required to do, and
• Requiring the Department of Health and Social Services to establish a uniform protocol to guide caregivers regarding the proper disposal of controlled substances upon a patient’s death.  Hospice care providers would also assist family members and caregivers to inventory and dispose of a patient’s remaining supply of controlled substances upon that patient’s death

“I want to thank the General Assembly for acting quickly to pass this important piece of legislation which will reduce prescription drug abuse in our state and help save lives,” Biden said.

Senate Bill 119 unanimously passed the Senate last week.

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