KOLKHORTS FILES OPIOID LEGISLATION

  

State Senator Lois Kolkhorst of Brenham has field a bill, she says addresses and combats the growing rate of prescription drug abuse in Texas.

Kolkhorst has filed SB 1233, which would amend the Texas Controlled Substances Act by defining "acute pain," requiring prescriptions for controlled substances be communicated electronically and limiting the dispensing of schedule II, III or IV opioids to a seven day supply for initial treatment of "acute pain."

According to Kolkhorst, the legislation was written with the State Attorney General's office, who has reported an increase in criminal activity stemming from the epidemic of opioid abuse.

The legislation also calls for continuing education regarding opioid prescription dispensing and monitoring for all practitioners who are registered with the Board of Pharmacy for electronic access to the information.

Kolkhorst is the Chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services, and says she filed the measure to save lives and make a difference in Texas communities.