Assemblyman Cusick: Restrictions on Hydrocodone Supplies Go into Effect February 23rd

Roadblocks in place to curb the abuse of the addictive drug

February 22, 2013

Assemblyman Michael Cusick (D-Mid Island) announced today that the prescription drug hydrocodone will move from a Schedule III drug to a more restrictive Schedule II under a law he passed last year known as I-STOP to address the abuse of prescription drugs.

To clarify, there are five controlled substance schedules. Schedule I controlled substances are for research purposed only and must be approved by the New York State Department of Health. Schedules II, III, IV and IV may be prescribed only by authorized practitioners. While schedule II controlled substances have a high potential for abuse and addiction. A prescriber must issue a new prescription for each dispensing and can only be prescribed or dispensed in supplies that do not exceed 30 days.

“Hydrocodone is a narcotic drug that is used as a painkiller to relieve mild to severe pain and suppress excessive coughing. This prescription drug has become significantly addictive. They can cause a lot of health hazards when used excessively,” explained Assemblyman Cusick.

In 2010, there were 38,329 drug overdose deaths nationwide, according to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Over 60 percent of those deaths involved prescription drugs.

“Placing hydrocodone on Schedule II will control abuse by eliminating automatic refills. Furthermore, it will limit the amount prescribed or dispensed to a maximum 30-day supply. However, to protect legitimate access for those patients who need these drugs, the bill will not alter a practitioner’s ability, under existing regulations, to prescribe a supply of up to 90 days if he, or she, indicates on the face of the prescription that the patient has one of several enumerated conditions, including chronic pain,” said Assemblyman Cusick.

The I-STOP law signed by the Governor in 2012 was the result of an effort Assemblyman Cusick started three years ago to eradicate prescription drug abuse and implement important reforms to address the growing epidemic, where it is especially prevalent on Staten Island. Senator Lanza joined him in this mission along with Attorney General Eric Schneiderman.

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