Supporters of a bill that would put more restrictions on prescription pills say they believe the measure will pass soon, despite increased lobbying efforts by doctors to weaken the bill. The bill would move the KASPER prescription tracking system to the Attorney General’s office and strengthen restrictions on pain clinics.
Kentucky lawmakers were unable to pass a compromise version of House Bill 4 before leaving for a veto recess. When they return, they’ll have one day to pass the bill.
The Kentucky Medical Association has spent the past ten days lobbying against the bill, saying increased restrictions on pain clinics and drug prescribing would hurt legitimate doctors.
But supporters, including Governor Steve Beshear, are dismissing that argument.
“No legitimate doctor, dentist, pharmacists, medical professional has anything to fear from this legislation. Yes, the pill pusher and white coats do,” Beshear says
Both sides have battled over the issue during the veto recess, but Beshear says he’s confident legislators will pass a strong bill.
“Both sides are stepping up on this. And I think we’re going to have a bill. I think House Bill 4 will pass,” he says.
The bill has the support of Beshear, Attorney General Jack Conway and a host of Republican and Democratic lawmakers in the General Assembly.