House OKs Buehler bill targeting prescription drug abuse

The Oregon House voted unanimously Thursday to pass HB 4124, a bill introduced by Rep. Knute Buehler, R-Bend, to prevent prescription, especially narcotic, drug abuse and overdoses.

“Opioid addiction has become an epidemic and is continuing to spread,” Buehler said. “This disturbing trend has a very real human cost – one that I have seen firsthand far too often. If this bill can save even one life, it will be worth it.”

HB 4124 combines two concepts aimed at mitigating prescription drug abuse.

The law would allow pharmacists to distribute Naloxone without a doctor’s prescription. This drug can be used to save someone suffering from an acute overdose.

The second concept improves and makes it easier to use a database within the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program, so doctors can better access information on what medications patients have been prescribed. This will help prevent those who obtain several narcotic prescriptions from different providers across the state.

“These policies will give doctors and family members the tools they need to better care for patients and prevent addictions,” Buehler said. “If the community can work together, stand with the victims and their families, I believe we can solve this crisis.”

The medical community has recognized the need to solve this problem and has rallied behind HB 4124. Oregon Medical Association, Oregon Nurses Association, OHSU, and many others have all announced their support.

HB 4124 now goes straight to the senate floor for approval.