OOA Opposes Prescription Pad Legislation

State Rep. Clayton Luckie (D-Dayton) has introduced a substitute version of HB 267, which creates the Ohio Prescription Pad Program.  The bill would require all physicians to buy tamper-proof prescription pads through the Board of Pharmacy (BOP).  Major differences between the introduced version and the substitute bill includes deletion of language requiring the system to be computerized (although the language does permit the BOP, ODJFS or third party payors to adopt a computer system if they want to).  It also gives the Ohio Department of Job & Family Services and third party payers the list of prescribers, the prescription numbers they were authorized, and a list of the stolen, lost or not received prescription numbers.  

The substitute bill pares down the language on the program’s advisory committee and gives the BOP the right to appoint members to the advisory committee.  It also adds the 4th degree misdemeanor penalty.  OOA has been participating in interested party meetings concerning the legislation, but continues to oppose the legislation.