Portantino Bill Aimed at Combatting Opioid Crisis Passes Legislature, Heads to Governor
For Immediate Release: August 28, 2024
Contact: Lerna Shirinian, (818) 409-0400
Portantino Bill Aimed at Combatting Opioid Crisis Passes Legislature, Heads to Governor
Sacramento, California – Senate Bill 607, authored by State Senator Anthony J. Portantino (D – Burbank), passed both houses of the Legislature. The measure, which is on its way to the Governor’s desk, aims to combat the ongoing opioid crisis by requiring prescribers of controlled substances containing an opioid to discuss the dangers of opioids with all patients.
“When prescribers discuss detailed information about opioids with every patient, it gives more individuals the chance to decline an opioid prescription and explore alternative treatment options if they prefer,” stated Senator Portantino. “It's crucial for patients to be fully aware of the risks associated with opioid-containing medications before using them. Given the opioid crisis we are currently facing, something as simple as effective communication can save lives.”
Prescription opioids continue to be a significant issue, which accounted for 17,000 of the overdose deaths in 2021. According to California’s health department, opioid related deaths spiked 121% between 2019 and 2021. The most recent state data indicates that between September 2021 and September 2022, up to 5,942 people died after ingesting a synthetic opioid, accounting for 86% of all opioid related deaths.
SB 607 would expand requirements for prescribers to discuss risks and dangers of opioids and opioid addiction with all patients, not just a minor.
“Too many lives are lost to opioid misuse and addiction,” said Mr. Reji Varghese, Executive Director of the Medical Board of California. “The Medical Board of California supports SB 607 because it promotes patient safety by helping to ensure that important conversations related to the safe use of opioid medications occur between patients and providers. The Board's July 2023 guidelines for treating patients with pain underscore the importance of patient counseling on the risks of overdose when prescribing opioids.”
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