Rep. John Scott Proposes Legislation to Prevent Opioid Abuse

In response to the uptick in prescription opioid abuse, drug addiction and illegal heroin use, State Representative John Scott (R-40) proposed legislation for the 2016 legislative session that would prohibit pharmacists from substituting other drugs when an abuse-deterrent opioid option is prescribed by a physician.

Abuse-deterrent opioids are being designed to reduce a drug’s effectiveness when altered from the original formulation. Many abuse-deterrent drugs are in development and will become more common as pharmaceutical manufacturers continue to refine the manufacturing process and find more ways to keep the drug’s efficacy up while reducing the ability of abusers to misuse them.

“The heroin epidemic we’re seeing across the country, and more recently in Southeastern Connecticut has been shown many times to begin with prescription drug abuse and this legislation would help alleviate some of those issues,” Rep. Scott said. “With the continued evolution of prescriptions drugs, especially now that drug manufacturers are finding ways to reduce dependence and limit abuse, it makes sense to require their use when available and prescribed by a physician. No drug, regardless of how it’s created, will be able to prevent all illegal use but doing nothing when viable alternatives exist is unacceptable.”

The proposed legislation will now go before the legislature’s Public Health Committee. The 2016 legislative session began on Wednesday, February 3, and ends at midnight on Wednesday, May 4.

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Rep. Scott represents the 40th district covering Groton and Ledyard. Photo Credit: John Scott - State Representative