Senate Passes Bipartisan Bill to Reduce Prescription Drug Misuse

Legislation would implement recommendations to update the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program 

DENVER, CO – Today, the Senate unanimously approved 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.

“Ongoing prescription drug misuse across Colorado requires us to take steps to improve our prescription drug practices,” Rodriguez said. “This bill will help reduce prescription drug misuse by giving the Prescription Drug Monitoring program the tools it needs to support safe prescription practices, which will help us enhance public safety and build healthier communities.” 

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 now moves to the House for further consideration. Track the progress of the bill here.