House Approves Prescription Drug Monitoring Bill

09/23/2010

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The House passed legislation today reauthorizing a key program to help states monitor prescription drug use in order to prevent drug abuse and the illegal diversion of medications.

<br>

The bill - HR 5710 - passed 384-32, reauthorizes the National All Schedules Prescription Electronic Reporting (NASPER) Act which provides grants to states to track drug prescriptions. The program has strong bipartisan support and authorizes $15 million in funding for fiscal year 2011 and $10 million annually from fiscal 2012-2013.  The program has grown quickly with over 40 states having already established prescription drug monitoring programs.  Delahunt is a strong supporter of the program saying “Prescription drug abuse is out of control and this program is an effective way to help stop the abuse before it starts.”  The bill now moves on to the Senate. To read more about Delaunt's work on this issue, please click here.