House Approves Flood Bill to Extend Program Combatting Opioid Abuse

September 22, 2021

HARRISBURG – The state House today in Harrisburg approved through an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote a bill introduced by local state Rep. Ann Flood (R-Northampton) that would extend a successful program that helps doctors and pharmacies combat opioid abuse.

“This is an effective program and we want to continue providing this tool to the people on the frontlines in the battle against opioid abuse,” Flood said.

The initiative, known as the Achieving Better Care by Monitoring All Prescriptions (ABC-MAP) program, currently is set to expire on June 30, 2022. Flood’s bill would extend the expiration date to Dec. 31, 2028.

The ABC-MAP program allows doctors and other medication prescribers, as well as pharmacists and other medication dispensers, to access a patient’s prescription medication history through an electronic system. Doctors, pharmacists and other medical professionals with access to the system can use the information to better treat their patients.

The program also enables opioid prescribers and dispensers to potentially identify warning signs of abuse, including so-called “doctor shopping” and “pharmacy shopping.”

“Doctor shopping” occurs when a patient attempts to obtain opioid prescriptions from multiple doctors. “Pharmacy shopping” occurs when a patient attempts to have an opioid prescription filled at multiple pharmacies.

The ABC-MAP program enables doctors and pharmacists to notice and prevent these practices by viewing a patient’s prescription medication history.

“One of the greatest tools we have in the ongoing fight against opioid abuse is information,” Flood said. “This program is an important component in Pennsylvania’s ongoing effort to fight opioid addiction and the misuse of other prescription medications.”

Flood’s legislation – House Bill 1774 – now heads to the state Senate for consideration.

More information about Flood is available on her website at RepAnnFlood.com or by following her on Facebook at  Facebook.com/RepAnnFlood.

Representative Ann Flood
138th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Dan Massing
717-772-9845
dmassing@pahousegop.com
repannflood.com