ARIZONA STATE SENATE

CHERIE STONE

LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH ANALYST

HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE

Telephone: (602) 926-3171

RESEARCH STAFF

TO:                  MEMBERS OF THE SENATE

HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE

DATE:            March 22, 2021

SUBJECT:      Strike everything amendment to H.B. 2541, relating to patient utilization reports

Purpose

            Defines patient utilization report as it relates to the Controlled Substances Prescription Monitoring Program (CSPMP).

Background

Laws 2007, Chapter 269 established the CSPMP, a central database used to track the prescribing, dispensing and consumption of Schedule II, III and IV controlled substances that are dispensed by medical practitioners or pharmacies and track data from the Department of Health Services (DHS) pertaining to residents who possess a medical marijuana registry identification card. Medical practitioners, pharmacies, outpatient health care facilities and permitted nonresident pharmacies that dispense controlled substances are required to report certain information pertaining to the dispenser, prescriber, patient and controlled substance to the CSPMP (A.R.S.
§ 36-2608).

            The Board of Pharmacy (Board) is authorized to release data collected by the CSPMP to: 1) a person who is authorized to prescribe a controlled substance or their delegate; 2) an individual who requests their own prescription monitoring information; 3) a medical practitioner regulatory board; 4) a law enforcement or criminal justice agency if the information is necessary for an open investigation or complaint; 5) the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System and its contractors regarding persons receiving certain services if the information is necessary for an open investigation or complaint, for performing a drug utilization review for controlled substances to combat opioid overuse or to ensure the continuity of care; 6) a person who is serving a lawful order of a court of competent jurisdiction; 7) a person who is authorized to prescribe a controlled substance and is performing an evaluation on an individual who may be entitled to compensation; 8) a county medical examiner who is directing an investigation surrounding a death or their delegate; and 9) DHS regarding individuals receiving or prescribing controlled substances in order to implement a public health response to address opioid overuse (A.R.S. § 36-2604).

            There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.

Provisions

1. Defines patient utilization report as the following patient information as compiled by the CSPMP and disclosed as prescribed:

a) CSPMP data; and

b) clinical alerts and other required alerts or indicators.

2. Directs the Board to integrate and display patient utilization reports within electronic medical records.

3. Makes technical and conforming changes.

4. Becomes effective on the general effective date.