Government is taking legislative action to reduce the growing abuse of prescription narcotics and controlled substances, says Health and Wellness Minister Doug Currie.
“We know that there is a serious narcotics abuse issue facing many Islanders and their families,” said Minister Currie. “We recognize that there is a false perception among many that these drugs are safe because they have been prescribed by a healthcare professional. But, we know that if not used appropriately these drugs can lead to serious harm and sometimes death. It is our hope that, if passed, the Narcotics Safety and Awareness Act will enable the province to monitor and analyze information on all narcotics and other controlled substances dispensed in Prince Edward Island. We want to promote appropriate prescribing and dispensing practices, identify areas of abuse or misuse, and ultimately reduce the risk of drug addiction for Islanders.”
This step forward brings the province in line with recent national recommendations for all provinces and territories to introduce mechanisms for better monitoring prescriptions (CCSA, 2013).
Through the current Drug Information System (DIS), the province has the capability to electronically link pharmacies, physicians’ offices, addiction centres, emergency rooms, and other health facilities with a database which maintains patient medication records. The DIS also provides pharmacists and prescribers with medication profiles of individual patients to assist in the patient’s care. This new legislation will go one step further and allow for monitoring and analysing of the dispensing and the prescribing of narcotics.
In instances of inappropriate or excessive prescribing or dispensing, responses could include new educational opportunities, reporting to the appropriate regulatory body and, in extreme circumstances, financial penalties or imprisonment. Minister Currie hopes to collaborate closely with the regulatory bodies including the College of Physicians and Surgeons and the Dental Association of Prince Edward Island to identify and address the educational needs and support mechanisms that may be required by prescribers and dispensers.
Across North America, addictions, crime and deaths related to prescription drug abuse including those containing oxycodone have increased significantly in recent years. Since 2009, Prince Edward Island has seen a 17.8% increase in the number of tablets prescribed of the top five opioid tablets. In 2012, these included Percocet+ (1,794,634 tablets), Tylenol 3+ (1,230,206 tablets), Dilaudid+ (935,071 tablets), Morphine+ (579,676 tablets), and Oxycodone+ (493,939 tablets).
“This new legislation will provide some of the knowledge we need to address narcotics abuse in Prince Edward Island which is having devastating effects on many families,” said Minister Currie. “This is about the misuse of medications, and our intent is to educate both patients and prescribers of the risks associated with inappropriate use of narcotics, and track those who are inappropriately providing access to these powerful medications.”
Mental health issues and addictions are serious problems that impact many Islanders and their families. Government has made it a priority to improve access to these services and supports. In the coming weeks, government will release its Mental Health and Addictions Review and a strategy for addressing the challenges facing the current system.