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C61DEB811BAF9DCD872589F10054029C Hearing Summary




PUBLIC
BILL SUMMARY For THE ROLE OF PHARMACIES IN RURAL AND FRONTIER COMMUNITIES

INTERIM COMMITTEE  OPIOID AND OTHER SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS STUDY COMMITTEE
Date Jul 19, 2023      
Location HCR 0112



The Role of Pharmacies in Rural and Frontier Communities - Committee Discussion Only


09:17:38 AM  
Dr. Emily Zavorny, Colorado Pharmacist Society and Colorado Pharmacy Coalition, gave an overview of pharmacists in the state. She discussed current efforts Colorado pharmacists use in prevention and treatment including providing opioid antagonists, working with opioid tapers, ALTO use, and opioid treatment plans.
09:24:49 AM  

Dr. Robert J. Valuck, Center for Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention, went over legislation in other states related to MOUD (Medication for Opioid Use Disorder). He discussed things done to expand coverage in Colorado including the Colorado MAT Expansion Project, funding to stand up MOUD services in a sustainable manner, and over the counter availability.



Dr. Valuck answered questions from members of the committee.

09:35:04 AM  
Dr. Valuck discussed
the MATpharm study which examined a new utilization of pharmacists to expand
MOUD access. Pharmacists were trained to evaluate and treat patients interested
in induction therapy in collaboration with an addiction physician and showed
higher retention rates at 1 month. He discussed barriers and considerations
in Colorado including lack of clear legal authorization for pharmacists
to prescribe MOUD, start up and sustainability, and the need for appropriate
patient safety guardrails.



Dr. Valuck answered questions from members of the committee.
09:45:40 AM  

The panel answered questions from members of the committee.






The effective date for bills enacted without a safety clause is August 7, 2024, if the General Assembly adjourns sine die on May 8, 2024, unless otherwise specified. Details