Joint Task Force Reviews Legislation on Medical Prescriber Practices

Division II of the Joint Task Force for the Response to the Heroin and Opioid Epidemic in New Hampshire heard proposed legislation related to expanding the State Board of Medicine’s membership by adding a physician who practices in the area of pain medicine as part of the medical review sub-committee.

The Division II Task Force members also discussed continuing education requirements for medical professionals and providers related to best practices for prescribing opioid or other controlled substances.

State Sen. Jeb Bradley, R-Wolfeboro, the Joint Task Force chairman, issued a statement following the Division II meeting related to the Board of Medicine.

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“As we saw with the emergency rules mandate on opioid prescribing practices, which was largely rejected by the New Hampshire Board of Medicine, physicians and prescribers, need to be part of the process for updating rules, guidelines, and best practices in their field in order to prevent unexpected consequences. That is why we began a larger discussion today with the board of medicine related to adding a pain specialist on their medical review committee as well as the implementing a mandatory examination testing proficiency in opioid and controlled substances best practices,” said Bradley. “As part of today’s Joint Task Force discussion, we also identified other important stakeholders who need to be at the table as we address and update the opioid prescribing guidelines in New Hampshire.”

“By increasing education and including stakeholders in discussions related to pain care and opioid prescribing practices, all medical prescribers will share best practices helping to limit the number of individuals who develop an addiction to opioid pain medication, who may later seek and use heroin, fentanyl and other deadly drugs.”

“I look forward to increased stakeholder input as we continue our work on this complex issue,” added Bradley.