Bill would enact a Prescription Safety Alert System delivering real-time information to stop inappropriate prescribing and dispensing of opioids
WASHINGTON, DC (March 26, 2019): The Opioid Safety Alliance – a working group of prescribers, health systems, technology companies, pharmacies and pharmacists, professional societies, and patients united against inappropriate opioid use – applauded the reintroduction of the Analyzing and Leveraging Existing Rx Transactions (ALERT) Act of 2019 (H.R. 1845).
The bill, sponsored by Reps. Annie Kuster (D-NH) and Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) would enact a Prescription Safety Alert System based on a model developed by NCPDP (National Council for Prescription Drug Programs) that uses existing, ANSI-accredited standards widely implemented in the industry.
The Prescription Safety Alert System delineated in the ALERT Act would address blind spots in current technology to give clinicians a full picture of opioid dispensing patterns – including prescriptions filled across state lines and unsuccessful fill attempts – while empowering them with a real-time, in-workflow tool to thwart opioid misuse and prevent undue delays in access for those with a legitimate medical need.
“The ALERT Act goes beyond reacting to stop fraudulent opioid transactions before medication leaves the pharmacy counter. The Opioid Safety Alliance is proud to once again lend this legislation our full support,” said Opioid Safety Alliance Executive Director Joel White. “We thank Representatives Kuster and Mullin for their leadership on this life-saving solution and look forward to its swift passage so that, together, we can change the devastating status quo of 130 opioid-related deaths per day.”
Background: