HARRISBURG – State Senator Gene Yaw (R-23) today released the following statement on the unanimous passage of Senate Bill 1202, a measure to increase education in pain management and opioid prescribing practices for medical professionals.
“As a sponsor of Senate Bill 1202, I believe enhanced continuing medical education (CME) training for medical professionals licensed to prescribe in the Commonwealth would provide one more tool to address the rise of opioid abuse, which often leads to heroin addiction.
Over the past two and a half years, I have traveled the state listening to first-hand testimony provided by doctors, healthcare workers, judges, district attorneys, treatment providers and educators who all have dealt with the complexities of this growing epidemic. No one is immune from the disease of addiction.
I commend my colleagues, as well as the Pennsylvania Medical Society for working with us cooperatively to pass this bill to help stem the tide of opioid and prescription drug abuse.
Sponsored by Senator Yaw and state Senator John Wozniak (D-35), Senate Bill 1202 requires state licensing boards to call for two hours of CME in “pain management” and two hours of CME in “opioid prescribing practices” for individuals applying for an initial license or renewal of an existing license or certification in the Commonwealth.
Nick Troutman
Communications Director
Office of State Senator Gene Yaw (R-23)
362 Main Capitol Building, Senate Box 203023
Harrisburg, PA 17120
T: (717) 787-3280
F: (717) 772-0575
www.SenatorGeneYaw.com