Information on Public Act 15-198-An Act concerning substance abuse and opioid overdose prevention
This act becomes effective as of October 1, 2015
It includes the following:
1) It requires continuing medical education on prescribing controlled substances and pain
management.
2) It strengthens use of the State’s Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP). It requires
real-time reporting and mandates that a practitioner, or the practitioner’s delegate who is a
licensed health care professional, check the PDMP before prescribing more than a 72 hour
supply of a controlled substance.
3) It requires all pharmacies in Connecticut to report the dispensing of prescriptions for all
controlled substances immediately through the PDMP.
4) It allows Pharmacists to prescribe and dispense naloxone (Brand name- NARCAN), a lifesaving
antidote to an opioid overdose which allows a short window of opportunity to access medical
help. It clarifies that it also shall be covered by health insurance.
5) It reconstitutes the Alcohol and Drug Policy Council, led by the Department of Mental Health
and Addiction Services and the Department of Children and Families, to focus on addiction in
Connecticut and to inform the Governor and the General Assembly on future policy changes
and public awareness strategies to combat addiction.
Information provided has been adapted with permission from original material produced by CT AIDS
and the Department of Public Health.