ATLANTA (May 4, 2017) | Earlier today, Governor Nathan Deal signed three pieces of legislation that address opioid abuse into Georgia law. Sen. Renee Unterman (R – Buford) carried one of these bills, House Bill 249 in the Senate, and has been a long-time advocate for laws which help fight the opioid epidemic in Georgia.
“The signing of these three bills into law represents years of hard work and dedication in the fight to end opioid abuse,” said Sen. Unterman. “I am overjoyed that this day has finally come and we can stand together and say we did something that will positively impact thousands of individuals and their families for years. I would like to thank everyone in the Senate and House who supported these measures, as well as everyone outside the Capitol who supported our efforts for years. This is the beginning of the end of opioid abuse in Georgia and I am humbled to say I had a hand in crafting and passing legislation that will make a better Georgia for everyone.”
Section two of House Bill 249 addresses electronic reporting for those who prescribe or dispense controlled substances. Prescribers and dispensers will be required to use the PDMP every 24 hours instead of the weekly reporting that is currently required. The PDMP is currently administered by the Georgia Drug and Narcotics Agency and under HB 249 the responsibility of the PDMP will be transferred to the Georgia Department of Public Health.
Please follow the link below for the full press release from Governor Deal:
https://gov.georgia.gov/press-releases/2017-05-04/deal-signs-opioid-legislation
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For Immediate Release:
May 5, 20147
For Information Contact:
Ines Owens, Acting Director
(404) 656-0028
ines.owens@senate.ga.gov