The Iowa House recently passed legislation in hopes of decreasing the opioid crisis in the state.

District 47 Representative Chip Baltimore says a key piece of the House bill is setting up a monitoring system for physicians and medical providers.

“Addicts can’t go ‘doctor shopping’ and go to one doctor and get a month’s supply (of opioids) today and then tomorrow go to a different doctor and get another month’s supply, and therefore keep using and fueling that addiction. The doctors will be able to access this monitoring program to make sure they’re not over-prescribing or duplicate-prescribing.”

Baltimore points out another major component of the bill is putting limits on the more highly addictive medications to hopefully prevent the addiction from starting on the front end. Another part is providing more treatment options and support for those who are currently suffering from opioid addiction.

The bill passed the House 98-0 in a bipartisan effort. The bill is now in the Senate for consideration.