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House rejects measure to tighten hydrocodone controls after debate over access and abuse
Summary
House Bill 379, which would have moved hydrocodone from schedule III to II and restricted phone prescribing, was amended to exclude cough syrups but failed on final passage after members raised concerns about patient access and urged further study.
Representative Daniel H. Tuttle presented House Bill 379 to move hydrocodone from schedule III to schedule II, arguing that the change would curb abuse tied to phone prescriptions and 'doctor shopping.' He described local enforcement experience and urged the House to act: "Purpose of this bill is to stop the phone and prescriptions ... When people know that they can get this drug, they'll fall into a doctor shopper syndrome."
Members offered and approved an amendment (moved by Representative Gene Davis) to exclude cough syrups from the change. Several members, including Representative Dillard, urged caution and recommended an interim study to align with federal scheduling and to consult medical and pharmacy stakeholders. Representative President Wadhams said pharmacists and physicians told him that restricting phone prescriptions would impede legitimate medical practice.
After debate the House held a recorded vote. House Bill 379 received 32 affirmative and 38 negative votes and failed to pass the House. Several members said the topic warranted further study with affected professional associations before pursuing a state-level rescheduling.
