Bill To Fight Opioid Abuse Unanimously Passes State House

Legislation to reduce opioid abuse and overdoses has passed the North Carolina House. The bill is one of three health-related proposals that passed with bipartisan support.

The House approved a measure Monday night that strengthens requirements for doctors and pharmacists who prescribe and dispense opioid drugs.

Doctors would also generally be limited to 5- and 7-day supplies when first prescribing the potent drugs for pain or after operations. A larger refill prescription would require a subsequent consultation with the doctor.

Bill sponsor Rep. Greg Murphy of Greenville said the legislation is meant to combat the opioid epidemic in the state and nationally.

According to the Winston-Salem Journal, the House also approved legislation that reins in the cost of oral cancer medications. A third bill addresses the use of telemedicine for those who live in rural areas or who might have difficulty getting to a hospital.

All three bills now await Senate approval.

Correction: An earlier photo accompanying this story was the old North Carolina state house.