The Massachusetts
Medical Society, released the following statement:
“The
Massachusetts Medical Society applauds Governor Baker for his
leadership and drive toward curbing the
opioid crisis that continues to plague the Commonwealth, and commends
the Legislature for its recognition that this public health crisis must
be met with urgency and multi-faceted, data-backed tactics and measures.
We appreciate the Commonwealth’s commitment
to and investment in prevention and stands in support of the intent of
the proposed bill.
“We
commend the Governor’s continued support of a partial-fill law which
will allow patients and physicians
to reconnect upon completion of an initial course of treatment and
determine whether further use of pain medication is warranted and safe,
or whether the remainder of the prescription must be properly
dispatched.
“The
partial-fill approach to opioid prescribing remains a vital component
in reducing opportunities for
which unused pain medication is transferred from a patient to those who
suffer from opioid abuse disorder or may be at risk of developing an
opioid use disorder.
“We strongly support evidence-based prevention approaches for school-aged children, and applaud the Governor
for the provision establishing the Trust Fund for Prevention.
“The
Medical Society commends the important discourse relative to the
electronic prescribing of controlled
substances. We appreciate the intent and the spirit of the provision
promoting greater adoption of e-prescribing of controlled substances,
and look forward to engaging with the administration on details of the
proposal.
“We are optimistic and heartened by the decline in Schedule II opioid prescriptions, but recognize more
work remains in the effort to reduce overdoses.
“The
Massachusetts Medical Society appreciates the opportunity to express
our views and reiterates its appreciation
to Governor Baker and the Legislature for taking vital action on behalf
of the Commonwealth, and we look forward to partnering with the Governor
and lawmakers on solutions designed to reduce the harm caused by the
opioid epidemic.”
