2005 Testimony

Testimony Before The Senate Human Services Committee

Judy Lee, Chairman

SB 2312 - Prescription monitoring program

January 26, 2005

Chairman Lee, members of the committee, I am Dr. Brendan Joyce, Administrator of Pharmacy Services for the Department of Human Services. I appear before you to provide testimony in favor of SB 2312.

The Department feels that there is a need for such a repository, and we would willingly assist in making sure it comes to fruition. However, some changes to the bill should be considered.

First, it should include patients beyond ND Medicaid recipients. Second, the management of this data repository may be better situated in a place such as the Pharmacy Board or Medical Board. This would increase the flexibility for securing funding. It is likely that no federal Medicaid matching funds would be available to establish a repository.

The Department would certainly wish to utilize this system to aid in the care of our patients, and would welcome any guidance the legislature would wish to give on the appropriate use of such a system.

I would be happy to answer any questions you may have.

 

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