PAIN MANAGEMENT - H.B. 4683 (S-1): FLOOR ANALYSIS

House Bill 4683 (Substitute S-1 as reported)

Sponsor: Representative Michael J. Griffin

House Committee: Health Policy

Senate Committee: Health Policy and Senior Citizens

CONTENT

The bill would amend the Public Health Code to specify legislative findings in regard to the use of controlled substances in treating intractable pain; require the Department of Consumer and Industry Services (DCIS) in consultation with the Department of Community Health (DCH), to develop an informational booklet on intractable pain; require the DCIS, in conjunction with the Controlled Substances Advisory Commission, to develop an educational program (regarding controlled substances) for health professionals holding a controlled substances license; and allow the DCIS to establish an ad hoc review panel for the provision of information in investigations involving the prescription of controlled substances.

The bill includes a legislative statement, "...that the official prescription form program...was created to prevent the abuse and diversion of controlled substances included in schedule 2...and not to prevent or inhibit the legitimate, medically recognized use of those controlled substances to treat patients with cases of intractable pain, especially long-term treatment." The bill states a legislative intent "to permit and facilitate adequate treatment for intractable pain by licensed health professionals, including, but not limited to, the prescription or dispensing of controlled substances included in schedule 2..., when medically appropriate".

The bill would take effect April 1, 1999.

MCL 500.2212a - Legislative Analyst: G. Towne

FISCAL IMPACT

It is difficult to determine what the actual fiscal impact of this bill would be, but based on costs associated with similar education programs, some estimates are available. According to the Department of Consumer and Industry Services, the informational booklet would need to be made available to the 255,000 health care professionals, 4,100 health care facilities, and 150 payment and benefit plan providers. Additionally, the Department estimates 250,000 public requests for the information. Given these numbers, the printing of 500,000 booklets at approximately 40 cents each would cost about $200,000, with estimated mailing costs of about $245,000.

The Department also estimates that the education program would require approximately 50 seminars be put on by the Department. Administrative costs associated with these additional responsibilities are estimated at $24,000.

Date Completed: 12-2-98 - Fiscal Analyst: M. Tyszkiewicz

- J. Walker

floor\hb4683 - Analysis available @ http://www.michiganlegislature.org

This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.