Prescription Pain Medications Study Committee (J)

Charge

Evaluate Iowa’s response to the national prescription pain medication crisis from both a public health perspective and a law enforcement perspective. The committee shall assemble information which may include, among other topics, evaluating the number of prescription pain medications issued in Iowa and upward and downward trends; the number of deaths annually from prescription pain medication overdoses and illegal drugs, under-reporting of this information for older Iowans, the accuracy of such information, and the need for development of a framework for reporting and disseminating accurate statistics; the extent to which the medical community is following protocols to assist addicted individuals to reduce reliance and slowly withdraw from addiction, and the role of pharmacists in reporting possible addiction; the impact of pain medication scheduling; Iowa’s ability to meet the medical needs of a growing aging population; available treatment models including in correctional settings; alternative pain management programs; the potential budgetary impact if medical needs are unmet and addicts are sentenced to jail or a correctional setting; and employment opportunity limitations for Iowans with chronic pain issues. The committee may receive input from agencies and entities including, but not limited to, the Department of Public Health, the Department of Public Safety, the Board of Pharmacy, the Department of Corrections, the State Medical Examiner, and representatives from the medical community, community-based corrections, law enforcement agencies, and employers. The committee shall submit recommendations, if deemed appropriate, to the General Assembly by January 1, 2017.

Senate Members
House Members
Committee Information