Bill Caption

Relating to prescribing and dispensing controlled substances and monitoring the prescribing and dispensing of controlled substances under the Texas Controlled Substances Act; authorizing a fee; providing for administrative penalties; creating criminal offenses.

Fiscal Notes

Estimated Two-year Net Impact to General Revenue Related Funds for HB3284, Committee Report 1st House, Substituted: an impact of $0 through the biennium ending August 31, 2021. The bill would make no appropriation but could provide the legal basis for an appropriation of funds to implement the provisions of the bill.

Bill Analysis

HB 3284 would require a prescriber or dispenser of a controlled substance to use the electronic prescription record and prohibit using a written, oral, or telephonically communicated prescription unless the prescription is issued under selected circumstances. Additionally, the bill would establish requirements for waivers, create an advisory committee to make recommendations regarding information submitted to the state, as well as other requirements regarding the use of electronic prescriptions.

The bill would also authorize the Texas State Board of Pharmacies to establish an advisory committee to address data concerns. Furthermore, the bill establishes an administrative penalty and create a criminal offense for violations. These offenses would include a Class A misdemeanor if an individual failed to disclose certain information relating to prescription medication.

Vote Recommendation Notes

The prescription of controlled substances is tightly regulated by the state of Texas. These revisions to the methods of prescribing and dispensing controlled substances do not appear to affect our liberty principles and we remain neutral.