Colorado Medical Society

Introduced by: Larimer County Medical Society

Subject: Prescription Drugs

Referred to: Reference Committee on Health Affairs

WHEREAS, a certain number of individuals misuse prescription controlled substances, seeking such from numerous physicians and dentists for multiple real and concocted medical conditions, and

WHEREAS, the use of the medical system in this manner to enable the continuation of a substance use disorder is inappropriate, drives up the costs of medial care for all, and should be redirected toward an appropriate therapeutic intervention, and

WHEREAS, the misuse of such pharmaceuticals potentially exposes the public to increased hazards associated with impaired individuals operating motor vehicles and other hazardous equipment, therefore be it

RESOLVED, that the Colorado Medical Society seek legislation establishing a state information system through pharmacies which would require that individuals obtaining controlled substances by prescription be identified by a legitimate Colorado Driver’s License or photo ID and entered into a searchable statewide data base, and be it further

RESOLVED, that such data base be set to automatically flag and alert pharmacies when certain patterns associated with prescription drug abuse are detected, and that such pharmacies be restrained from filling such prescriptions until such information is conveyed to the prescribing physician for review, and be it further

RESOLVED, that limited exceptions be made for the cases of minors without state photo IDs, and for out of state visitors.

FISCAL IMPACT: None