Metro East Sun

House Bill 3355 amending the Illinois Controlled Substances Act passed the House Committee after 110 votes.

Principal bill author Rep. Charles Meier (R-Okawville) expressed relief over the passing of the bill and its legislative journey that was hampered by the COVID pandemic.

"This is a bill that I’ve worked on for probably three years. It started with a group of family members from my area who have lost loved ones over the years,” Meier said. “We were in negotiations with the Illinois State Medical Association when COVID hit. Our next meeting was going to be the next day of session and as we all know everything went on hold then, so we have been working with them as they worked on the amendment with us and we've gotten to this point today."

The bill amends the Illinois Controlled Substance Act with important changes that highlight the risks of developing physical or psychological dependence on opioids. 

The bill provides that the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) develop and make available on its website necessary information on the risks of developing a physical or psychological dependence on opioids and any alternative treatments, including the Opioid Alternative Pilot Program.

Meier's HB 3355 would also require that IDHS shall develop and make available upon request to all prescribers, pharmacists, and patients in the state a pamphlet which explains the risks of opioids. The document would be downloadable. It also “Provides that a pharmacist shall, prior to dispensing an opioid that is a Schedule II controlled substance, furnish the pamphlet or information therein developed by the Department and discuss the risks of developing a physical or psychological dependence on opioids.”