simone van der koelen HtDQ9Z64Vpo unsplashSPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) passed a measure through the Senate Thursday to amend regulations for the Prescription Monitoring Program.

“This legislation was necessary in order for doctors to be aware of what prescriptions their patients are taking to ensure any unnecessary prescriptions can be eliminated,” Hunter said. “Opioid overdose rates have risen in Illinois over the last year, and I want to take all necessary precautions and help those who need treatment to get it.”

Currently, the PMP is allowed to automatically send a report to prescribers and dispensers when medication shopping is detected from three identifications of a prescriber or pharmacy in a six month period.

Senate Bill 1842 changes the limit on how many prescribers or pharmacies a person can have to five.

“Doctors need to know what other medications their patients may be taking so none of the medications incite a deadly interaction,” Hunter said. “The right treatment is necessary for helping someone overcome addiction, and saving their life.”

This measure will align Illinois law with the current federal Department of Centers for Disease Control guidelines.

Senate Bill 1842 awaits consideration from the House.