AR HCR1011

Arkansas drug overdose death rate more than tripled from 6.1 per 100,000 people in 1999 to 21.7 per 100,000 people in 2017, with majority of deaths due to prescription drug misuse.

Unit dose packaging dispenses narcotics and opioids in non-reusable containers holding a single dose, making drugs fully identifiable and protecting dosage integrity until administration.

Unit dose packaging would improve patient compliance, reduce prescription drug misuse, prevent overdoses and diversion, and potentially reduce medication waste for manufacturers.

Arkansas legislature encourages U.S. Congress, the Food and Drug Administration, and the Drug Enforcement Administration to promote unit dose packaging for narcotics and opioids by the pharmaceutical industry.

Chief Clerk of Arkansas House of Representatives shall distribute copies of this resolution to the FDA, DEA, U.S. Senate majority leader, Speaker of U.S. House, and Arkansas congressional delegation.