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Senate Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
Senate of Pennsylvania
Session of 2023 - 2024
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | December 12, 2022 12:33 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Senator Michele Brooks |
| To: | All Senate members |
| Subject: | Licensing Prescribers of Suboxone |
| I will be introducing legislative that provides for the licensure of office-based Suboxone prescribers and ensure that the consumer receives addiction counseling and treatment in conjunction with the medication. Cosponsors of this memorandum in the 2021-2022 legislative session included Senators Hutchinson and Stefano. Suboxone, which is also known by its generic name, buprenorphine, is used as a first step in assisting those addicted to heroin and opioids such as oxycodone who are in recovery. Unfortunately, individuals across Pennsylvania are now using and abusing Suboxone/buprenorphine, and we must take steps to ensure that it is only being prescribed in combination with drug and alcohol addiction treatments licensed by the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs. Those who prescribe Suboxone/buprenorphine are able to do so through a special license from the federal government; however, they do so with no state oversight. My legislation will license office-based prescribers of Suboxone/buprenorphine, establish a fee for the licenses that will be used by the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs to fund oversight and licensure programs, and ensure that the required counseling is provided to patients, along with the medication. Furthermore, this legislation will require the Department of State to establish consequences for failing to adhere to these new requirements. I hope you will join me in cosponsoring this legislation. |