Bill > S1192

This bill makes several changes to laws concerning healthcare providers and pharmacies, primarily focusing on the prescribing and dispensing of controlled substances and the regulation of pain management clinics. Key provisions include requiring physicians to check the prescription drug monitoring program database before prescribing certain controlled substances, establishing a 180-day deadline for pharmacies to begin operations after receiving a permit or to show good cause for delay, and removing a restriction that prohibited funds from prescription drug manufacturers from being used to implement the prescription drug monitoring program. Additionally, the bill clarifies that the state, not local governments, has authority over the licensure, standards of practice, and operation of pain management clinics under certain circumstances, and it modifies requirements for physicians prescribing controlled substances for chronic nonmalignant pain, including when they must consult specialists or use the prescription drug monitoring program.