Republican Governor Kim Reynolds says legislators should “explore” passing a law that would shield drug users from prosecution if they seek help for someone who’s overdosing. Three dozen states have enacted some form of a so-called “Good Samaritan” law. “This law immunizes other drug users from criminal prosecution if they call 911 when an overdose is occurring,” Reynolds says.

Reynolds hosted a forum on the opioid crisis, Thursday. She says she wants to see more doctors use the state’s prescription drug monitoring program, but she’s not yet calling for a law that would REQUIRE participation.  “We’ll work with the Iowa Board of Pharmacy and stakeholders to help improve participation in the program and identity ways to automatically notify prescribers and pharmacies when patients are exceeding reasonable doses,” Reynolds says.

Just 43 percent of the Iowans authorized to write prescriptions for opioids and other medications use the program today. The nine-year-old state system that monitors prescriptions and sends alerts about potential abuses is getting an upgrade in the next few months. “Modernizing the way that we use technology is critical to combatting this deadly epidemic,” Reynolds says.

Reynolds says state officials will encourage doctors to follow prescribing guidelines for opioid pain medications, but the governor opposes a new law that would limit how many pills doctors can prescribe at one time. “Especially when you’re looking at a long-term diagnosis, cancer treatment, rural Iowa access issues,” Reynolds says.

The governor expects use of the statewide prescription monitoring system will grow after the technology is upgraded. Reynolds has declared this Opioid Awareness Week.

Reynolds has talked publicly about her own battle with an addiction to alcohol. Her 2018 reelection campaign has released a video in which the governor credits her family for supporting her as she chose sobriety.

(Radio Iowa)