Rodriguez’s Bipartisan Bill to Reduce Prescription Drug Misuse Moves Forward

Legislation to implement recommendations to the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program passes out of committee

DENVER, CO – The Senate Health & Human Services Committee today voted unanimously to advance Senator Robert Rodriguez’s (D-Denver) bipartisan legislation directing the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) to take steps to reduce prescription drug misuse.

Cosponsored by Senator Jim Smallwood (R-Parker), SB22-027 would require prescribers to conduct a check with the PDMP prior to prescribing any opioid or benzodiazepine. Currently, prescribers are only required to check before prescribing a second dose fill of any opioid or benzodiazepine.

“Prescription drug misuse tragically remains far too common here in Colorado,” Rodriguez said. “That’s why we’re pushing this legislation that will help prescribers catch problems earlier and give the Prescription Drug Monitoring program the tools it needs to support safe prescription practices and cut down on the misuse of prescription drugs.”  

Rodriguez’s bill makes recommended modifications to the PDMP in accordance with a March 2021 report from the State Auditor.

Additional modifications include requiring prescribers licensed in Colorado who hold a DEA registration to have a user account with the PDMP, and requiring the PDMP Task Force to make recommendations to the Department of Regulatory Agencies regarding the balance between the PDMP as a health care tool and as a tool for identifying and reporting potential overprescription and misuse of prescription drugs.

SB22-027 will now head to the Senate floor for further consideration. Track the progress of the bill here.