Washington, D.C. — Last week, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (D-NH), Congressman Troy Balderson (R-OH), and Congresswoman Julia Letlow (R-LA) introduced bipartisan legislation to combat the opioid epidemic and reduce prescription drug misuse. The Electronic Prescribing for Controlled Substances Act would require electronic prescriptions for all Schedule II-IV controlled substances, including opioids. These medications have a higher potential for misuse, and electronic prescribing of these substances can enhance patient safety and deter fraud. Senators Hassan (D-NH) and Mullin (R-OK) introduced companion legislation in the Senate. 

Full bill text is available here.

“Addressing the opioid epidemic requires an all-of-the-above approach, including preventing prescription fraud and abuse,” said Kuster. “Electronic prescribing is a proven way to increase patient safety and ensure controlled substances, like highly addictive opioids, are prescribed and taken responsibly. I’m proud to introduce legislation today to address prescription misuse to ensure doctors and pharmacies in New Hampshire and nationwide can continue to provide care for their patients safely and securely.” 

“To save lives, we have to do everything possible to combat prescription opioid abuse,” said Balderson, “and the Electronic Prescribing for Controlled Substances Act is the next logical step in this battle. By mandating electronic prescriptions for controlled substances, including opioids, this legislation enhances patient safety, streamlines the existing prescription process, and enacts safeguards against abuse. The opioid epidemic has ravaged communities everywhere, especially in Ohio. This legislation will help stop misuse and abuse of opioids from the outset and protect the well-being of patients across the country.”

“The deadly opioid epidemic has affected every community across the country – In order to curb opioid misuse and addiction we must take every step forward to save lives,” said Letlow. “The Electronic Prescribing of Controlled Substances 2.0 Act (EPCS 2.0) will give prescribers the ability to electronically send accurate, error-free and understandable Schedule II-V controlled substance prescriptions directly to a pharmacy from the point-of-care. I’m honored to join my colleagues in introducing this critical legislation to improve the quality of care for patients and increase visibility into physicians’ patterns of prescribing controlled substances to aid in the reduced chance of drug addiction.”

“Electronic prescribing is a critical tool for improving patient health by preventing errors and the misuse and diversion of medications. The Healthcare Leadership Council supports the introduction of the Electronic Prescribing for Controlled Substances Act, which builds upon e-prescribing successes in the Medicare Part D program and will strengthen the private sector’s efforts to address substance abuse, reduce prescribing errors, and make our healthcare system more efficient. We applaud Representative Kuster for her leadership on this important issue,” said Maria Ghazal, Healthcare Leadership Council President and CEO.

The Electronic Prescribing for Controlled Substances Act (EPCS 2.0) extends the requirement for Medicare providers to use electronic prescriptions for all Schedule II-IV controlled substances to private insurers. It includes protections for patients to choose their own pharmacies as well as exceptions for pharmacies with difficulty accessing the internet and other technological barriers. 

Kuster is the founder and co-chair of the Bipartisan Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Task Force, a group of 140 Democratic and Republican lawmakers committed to combating the growing opioid, substance use disorder, and mental health crises. She is leading the charge in Congress to reauthorize the SUPPORT Act, a comprehensive, bipartisan package focused on ensuring local communities have the tools to address substance use disorder. This legislation passed the House in December 2023 and is awaiting a vote in the Senate.

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