Raleigh, N.C. – The North Carolina House of Representatives passed House Bill 243 Strengthen Opioid Misuse Prevention (STOP Act) on Monday evening by a vote of 114-0, approving the measure to address opioid misuse across the state.
House Bill 243 is sponsored by Rep. Greg Murphy, M.D. (R-Pitt), Rep. Ted Davis (R-New Hanover), Rep. Craig Horn (R-Union) and Rep. Chris Malone (R-Wake).
Lawmakers worked closely with professionals in the law enforcement and medical community to craft the comprehensive proposal that addresses opioid misuse in North Carolina through smarter prescribing, better dispensing and recovery alternatives for those struggling with opioid addiction.
“We are facing an opioid epidemic in this state and across the nation,” said bill sponsor Rep. Greg Murphy, M.D. during debate, who co-chairs the House Committee on Health. “Today, 1 in 100 children are born addicted to opioids. We have to reverse the trend.”
Key provisions of the STOP Act require prescribers to check the Controlled Substance Reporting System (CSRS), limit the initial quantity of opioid prescriptions for acute pain, and reduce the diversion of drugs by tightening oversight of supervising prescribers.
The STOP Act will also require universal registration and reporting by pharmacies to detect misuse and diversion while strengthening reporting requirements of prescription transactions.
“The sponsors of the STOP Act and House members from across the state are fully engaged with local communities to address the opioid addiction crisis facing North Carolina and the nation,” said Speaker Tim Moore. “This comprehensive effort would help our state produce more reliable data to prevent opioid misuse, reduce overdoses and save lives.”