Congressman Mullin (OK-2) became the lead sponsor of H.R. 3545, the Overdose Prevention and Patient Safety Act, after asking for unanimous consent Tuesday on the House floor.  The Overdose Prevention and Patient Safety Act will give doctors access to information that can prevent tragic overdoses and improve patient safety.

“In order to responsibly diagnose patients, doctors need to know the whole story about their patient’s medical history,” Mullin said.  “Currently, doctors do not have access to crucial information in a patient’s medical history such as previous treatment for drug abuse and addiction, making it difficult to safely and holistically treat the patient.  The Overdose Prevention and Patient Safety Act updates an outdated law to give doctors the whole story on their patient’s medical history and ensure that a patient with a history of opioid abuse isn’t treated with opioids.  I want to thank former Congressman Tim Murphy for his work to bring this commonsense solution to the table.  I look forward to working alongside Congressman Blumenauer to make sure this bipartisan piece of legislation is signed into law.”

“In order to deliver safe, high-quality, and coordinated care, providers and health care organizations must have a full and clear picture of their patients’ health records,” said Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), democratic lead sponsor.  “Our legislation will ensure that patients with a history of substance abuse continue to receive appropriate treatment, while at the same time protecting their privacy.  I’m looking forward to working with Congressman Mullin to get these commonsense reforms enacted.”

Former Congressman Tim Murphy (PA-18) was the original sponsor of H.R. 3545.