Cutrona Introduces Legislation to Combat Opioid Crisis amid Pandemic

This week, State Rep. Al Cutrona (R-Canfield) introduced House Bill 193, which requires all Schedule II prescriptions to be done electronically, except under certain circumstances. The legislation is meant to address the ongoing concerns of the state’s opioid issues.

“In Ohio, we are still facing a grave opioid crisis that has only increased in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Cutrona. “This bill provides a simple, preventative solution to help bring a remedy to the situation.”

Under the legislation, all Schedule II drugs will have to be prescribed through electronic means, except in certain emergency circumstances. This will help reduce situations where individuals try to obtain Schedule II drugs from pharmacies with stolen or fraudulent scripts. 

“If we ensure through law that this becomes an electronic process, we can avoid this type of fraud that occurs. I believe this will greatly decrease the amount of opioid prescriptions that are making their way into the public through improper or illegal means,” Cutrona added.

According to the American Medical Association, several reports have indicated a significant rise in opioid deaths in Ohio with the likely cause being COVID-19.

The legislation currently has five cosponsors with State Rep. Gail Pavliga (R-Atwater) as the joint-sponsor.

The bill has been referred to the House Health Committee.