The Senate Education and Health Committee reported SB513 from Sen. Siobhan Dunnavant (R-Henrico), which increases the number of circumstances when prescribers must consult the Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) to combat opioid abuse.

VHCA-VCAL and other stakeholders worked with Sen. Dunnavant on bill language that exempts prescribers from needing to check the PMP if the opioid is prescribed to a patient in a nursing center or a patient in an assisted living facility that uses a sole source pharmacy. Another exemption was established for prescribers treating patients receiving hospice or palliative care.

Del. Charniele Herring (D-Alexandria) introduced similar legislation in the House of Delegates, HB293. The House Welfare and Institutions Committee adopted similar exemptions to those in SB513.

VHCA-VCAL appreciates Sen. Dunnavant and Del. Herring’s willingness to include bill language that accommodates the operating needs of prescribers and pharmacists in nursing centers and assisted living facilities.