NC H1037

Requires state health officials and licensing boards to develop and adopt statewide opioid prescribing guidelines by July 1, 2015, based on Institute of Medicine criteria and considering opioid dosage thresholds.

Mandates continuing education on controlled substance abuse for prescribing health care providers (dentists, nurses, podiatrists, physicians), including at least one hour on prescribing practices and chronic pain management.

Expands access to the Controlled Substances Reporting System (CSRS) to include the DEA's Office of Diversion Control and the North Carolina Health Information Exchange, and modifies the CSRS contract to include interstate connectivity with South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.

Improves the Medicaid lock-in program by establishing written procedures, extending duration to two years, and requiring data sharing with the Controlled Substances Regulatory Branch to prevent overutilization of controlled substances.

Creates the Prescription Drug Abuse Advisory Committee to develop and implement a statewide strategic plan with three to five measurable goals addressing prescription drug abuse through prescriber regulation, the CSRS, Medicaid lock-in, and law enforcement.