The 5 Most Important Pieces of 2017 Legislation Regarding Opioids in Virginia

by Taylor D. Brewer

The following bills were passed during the 2017 legislative session:

HB1453/SB848: Authorizes the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) to train individuals on the administration of Naloxone; authorizes the dispensing of Naloxone by a trained person; and creates immunity from simple negligence for dispensing Naloxone.

HB2317: Authorizes the dispensing and distribution of hypodermic needles and syringes as part of a comprehensive harm-reduction program to be initiated by the Commissioner of Health.

HB2161/SB1179: Directs the Secretary of Health & Human Services to create a workgroup to develop standards and criteria for training healthcare providers on safe and appropriate use of opioids to treat pain and minimize addiction.

HB2165/HB1230: Requires electronic prescriptions for controlled substances containing opioids

HB2164: Adds Gabapentin (Neurontin) to the list of drugs of concern and requires all pharmacies that report Schedule II-IV drugs to the Prescription Monitoring Program to add Gabapentin.

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