NACDS today commended the enactment of an electronic prescribing bill (HB 342) that would require the vast majority of prescriptions for controlled substances, including opioids, to be submitted electronically, which will help in the fight against opioid abuse. Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin (R) signed the bill into law March 26, which will become effective January 1, 2021.
KEY FACTS
- NACDS recognized the leadership of Rep. Steve Sheldon (R); House Health and Family Services Chair Kim Moser (R); and Senate Health and Welfare Chair Ralph Alvarado (R) in advancing the legislation.
- NACDS also recognized the Kentucky Retail Federation for its work in advocating for the bill.
- A January 2019 survey, conducted by Morning Consult and commissioned by NACDS, found that 62 percent of Kentucky registered voters support rules that all prescriptions must be handled electronically to reduce the likelihood of fraud and abuse. Only 19 percent indicated opposition.
- 16 states have enacted NACDS-backed e-prescribing legislation, and a federal law enacted in October 2018 also advanced this vital opioid-abuse-prevention strategy.
