Markey Launches Prevention Efforts for Prescription Drug and Heroin Epidemic

Press Release

As part of his ongoing efforts to promote a comprehensive strategy for the prescription drug and heroin epidemic, Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) today unveiled several new efforts focused on the prevention of opioid addiction. Senator Markey is introducing new legislation, the Safe Prescribing of Controlled Substances Act, which would require prescribers of opioid pain medications and other controlled substances to undergo mandatory training on safe prescribing practices and the identification of possible substance use disorders. Additionally, Senator Markey is calling on the Veterans Administration (VA), Department of Defense and Indian Health Services (IHS) to require its providers to participate in state Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs). PDMPs are a critical front line tool to help state law enforcement and public health officials better monitor drug dispensing practices, ultimately helping identify potential abuse and misuse. Finally, Senator Markey is leading a bipartisan group of senators in calling on the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) to reinstate its successful National Prescription Drug Take-Back Days, which help Americans safely and securely dispose of unwanted and potentially dangerous prescription drugs that are frequently abused.

"We need to prevent prescription drug and heroin addiction before it takes hold, and all these efforts are a key component of the comprehensive strategy necessary to address this public heath crisis.

"Sadly, with only five percent of the world's population consuming nearly 99 percent of the global supply of hydrocodone, we have become the United States of Vicodin," said Senator Markey. "We need to stop the over-prescription of opioid pain medication and ensure prescribers are educated in responsible prescribing practices and can identify possible substance use disorders in patients. This legislation is an important part of the prevention of drug overdoses that are fueled by prescription painkillers and heroin."

The Safe Prescribing of Controlled Substances Act requires that prescribers that are applying for a DEA license to prescribe controlled substances, such as prescription painkillers, complete mandatory education that will focus on best practices for pain management and alternative non-opioid therapies for pain, methods for diagnosing and treating a substance use disorder, linking patients to evidence based treatment for substance use disorders, and tools to manage adherence and diversion of controlled substances, including PDMPs. The legislation also requires that HHS evaluate after how implementing this new education requirement impacts prescribing patterns.

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