TITLE: Relating to continuing education for pharmacists regarding drug abuse and opioid drugs and an interim study regarding opioid abuse.

SUMMARY: Relating to continuing education for pharmacists regarding drug abuse and opioid drugs and an interim study regarding opioid abuse.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to continuing education for pharmacists regarding drug abuse and opioid drugs and an interim study regarding opioid abuse. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Subchapter B, Chapter 559, Occupations Code, is amended by adding Section 559.0525 to read as follows: Sec. 559.0525. CONTINUING EDUCATION RELATING TO OPIOID DRUGS. (a) The board shall develop a continuing education program regarding opioid drug abuse and the delivery, dispensing, and provision of tamper-resistant opioid drugs after considering input from interested persons. (b) The board by rule may require a license holder to satisfy a number of the continuing education hours required by Section 559.053 through attendance of a program developed under this section. SECTION 2. (a) The standing committee of the senate that has primary jurisdiction over health and human services shall conduct an interim study regarding opioid abuse and the provision of tamper-resistant opioids. (b) The committee may establish appropriate criteria for the study to accomplish the study's purpose. The study must include an examination of: (1) matters relating to prescription opioid abuse; and (2) the use and effectiveness of tamper-resistant opioids. (c) Not later than December 1, 2014, the committee shall submit a report of the committee's findings and recommendations to the lieutenant governor and the speaker of the house of representatives for consideration by the 84th Legislature. The committee shall include in its report the results of the study conducted under this section and the committee's recommendations for specific statutory changes, if any. (d) This section expires September 1, 2015. SECTION 3. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.