Pavliga Introduces Legislation Combatting Opioid Crisis across Ohio

This week, State Rep. Gail Pavliga (R-Portage County) introduced House Bill 193, which requires all Schedule II prescriptions to be done electronically, except under certain circumstances. The legislation is meant to address the ongoing concerns of the state’s opioid issues.

“The opioid epidemic was a problem before the pandemic and it has only gotten worse since then,” said Pavliga. “We must take comprehensive steps and initiate innovative approaches for solutions on this crisis – that’s what I’m trying to do with this bill.” 

Under the legislation, all Schedule II drugs will have to be prescribed through electronic means, except in certain emergency circumstances. This will help reduce situations where individuals try to obtain Schedule II drugs from pharmacies with stolen or fraudulent scripts. 

“I’m optimistic that by making the electronic method permanent, we will reduce the amount of illegal ways individuals are obtaining these drugs that can lead to very unfortunate and life-changing situations,” Pavliga added. “This is very bad in Portage County and I want to find ways to help our communities struggling when it comes to opioid overdoses.”

As vice-chair of the House Behavioral Health and Recovery Supports Committee, Pavliga recently met with the Portage Country Board of Mental Health and had productive conversations with an individual who works in the field of substance abuse. Pavliga notes that Portage County has had a substantial number of cases of opioid overdoses.

According to the American Medical Association, several reports have indicated a significant rise in opioid deaths in Ohio with the likely cause being COVID-19.

The legislation currently has five cosponsors with State Rep. Al Cutrona (R-Canfield) as the joint-sponsor.

The bill has been referred to the House Health Committee.