OH SCR10

Calls on the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to revise pain management survey measures in the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS)

Notes Ohio experienced a 366% increase in unintentional drug overdose deaths from 2000 to 2012, with 1,914 deaths in 2012 alone and heroin-involved deaths rising from 16% to 35.5% of all overdoses during that period

Cites Ohio State Medical Association survey finding that 74% of surveyed physicians believe HCAHPS pain management measures contribute to over-prescribing of opioids

Expresses concern that tying Medicare reimbursements to HCAHPS results creates incentives for excessive opioid prescriptions rather than assessment based on best medical practices

Directs the Senate Clerk to transmit the resolution to the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, the CMS Administrator, and Ohio news media