Florida House will vote on bill to limit certain opioid prescriptions to three days

A bill that would limit prescription opioids will move to the House floor for a vote.

HB 21, sponsored by Bradenton Rep. Jim Boyd, was unanimously approved by the Health & Human Services Committee on Wednesday morning.

Boyd’s bill echoes a call made by Gov. Rick Scott last September to place a three-day limit on prescription opioids for patients with acute pain, or a seven-day supply if necessary. It would also require continuing education for those who prescribe controlled substances as well as fortify the state prescription drug monitoring program.

“Putting a stop to opioid abuse is the most important project I have ever worked on in the Florida House,” Boyd said in a statement.

The Bradenton legislator said he had worked with law enforcement to pinpoint what the Legislature can do to address the opioid epidemic. A bill he sponsored, HB 477, that targeted fentanyl traffickers was signed into law last summer.

“The national opioid crisis is devastating our country, and Florida is fighting this crisis head-on,” Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi said in a statement thanking Boyd. “This legislation represents our state’s continued efforts and commitment to tackling this epidemic and save lives.”

Scott also praised Boyd, saying that “Florida is committed to fighting the national opioid epidemic in our state and supporting the families struggling with its devastating impacts.”

If ultimately approved by the Legislature and signed by Scott, it would go into effect July 1.

This story was originally published February 21, 2018 at 4:24 PM with the headline "Florida House will vote on bill to limit certain opioid prescriptions to three days."