New Ky. law limits prescriptions for certain pain meds to 3-day supply
LOUISVILLE Ky. (WDRB) — A new law that limits how much pain medicine doctors can prescribe in Kentucky is now in effect.
The new law that took effect Thursday is designed to help fight the opioid epidemic that’s sweeping the nation. Under the new law, prescription painkillers will be limited to a 3-day supply in an effort to prevent abuse.
The idea behind HB 333 is to prevent extra opioid pain pills from entering the illegal drug market. The bill underwent intense debate by Kentucky lawmakers before it was passed earlier this year.
The bill’s sponsors say the goal is to get drugs like fentanyl and carfentanyl off the streets and out of the hands of drug traffickers. Penalties for anyone caught trafficking the drugs are now elevated to a Class C Felony for a first offense.
The biggest concern over the new law centers on the 3-day pain pill limit, which prohibits doctors from issuing a prescription for more than the three days for Schedule II narcotics like OxyContin.
Some patients who truly need the medication say the law makes it too difficult for them to get pain medication for legitimate reasons.
The law does include exceptions for cancer patients, people diagnosed with chronic pain and patients receiving end-of-life care.
How bright does a politician have to be to come to the conclusion that by limiting the legal prescribing of opiates will somehow stop the flow of ILLEGAL OPIATES from being on the street ?
Filed under: General Problems
What does restricting the legal opioid to three days have to do with the illegal drugs? This is so very stupid. This makes zero sense!!! All of the people who can no longer work due to untreated pain, need to be sure to apply for Social Security Disability as pain has to be considered in the determination.
“The bill’s sponsors say the goal is to get drugs like fentanyl and carfentanyl off the streets and out of the hands of drug traffickers.”
They get dumber and dumber every day.
My Thoughts EXACTLY Steve! I don’t have to have any educational background to know how stupid this is & it will not stop Illegal opiates from being on the streets and it will probably make it worse!! Jess