Resolution Urging States and Manufacturers of Prescription Medications to Partner and Identify Opportunities to Address and Reduce Prescription Drug Abuse and Misuse Exposed

The Resolution Urging States and Manufacturers of Prescription Medications to Partner and Identify Opportunities to Address and Reduce Prescription Drug Abuse and Misuse was considered at ALEC's 2011 Annual Meeting on August 4, 2011 by the Health and Human Services Task Force. This bill was part of the ALEC task force agenda between 2010 and 2012, but due to incomplete information, it is not known if the bill passed in a vote by legislators and lobbyists at ALEC task force meetings, if ALEC sought to distance itself from the bill as the public increased scrutiny of its pay-to-play activities, or if key operative language from the bill has been introduced by an ALEC legislator in a state legislature in the ensuing period or became binding law.

ALEC Draft Bill Text

SUMMARY

This resolution calls on the states and the manufacturers of prescription medications to partner and identify opportunities to reduce the incidence of prescription drug abuse, while still ensuring that access is not restricted for those individuals who are in need of prescription medications.

MODEL RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Prescription drug abuse and misuse is an increasing public health concern in the United States; and

WHEREAS, A balanced approach to preventing prescription drug abuse must simultaneously ensure sufficient access to medications for patients with a legitimate medical need; and

WHEREAS, Prescription drugs account for the second most commonly abused category of drugs, behind marijuana and ahead of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and other drugs; and

WHEREAS, The misuse and abuse of prescription drugs has become increasingly prevalent among teens and young adults. For example, among 12-17 year olds, prescription drug abuse took either first or second place in abuse prevalence; and

WHEREAS, While opioid analgesics are used by millions of people for relief of their pain, the misuse and abuse of these products are imposing increasing costs on individuals, families and society; and

WHEREAS, Pharmaceutical manufacturers are working to reduce the abuse and misuse of prescription medications through abuse-deterrent formulations and provider and patient education programs; and

WHEREAS, The personal and financial toll of prescription drug abuse and misuse are negatively impacting the states through law enforcement constraints, drug treatment costs and incarceration costs; and

WHEREAS, Efforts to reduce prescription drug abuse should not negatively impact a patient’s access to necessary and prescribed drug treatments.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT, Officials in {insert state} are encouraged to partner with manufacturers of prescription medications to identify opportunities that reduce the incidence of prescription drug abuse and misuse while balancing the need to assure patient access to appropriate medications.