Indiana State Sen. Erin Houchin (R-Salem) made the following statement today 
regarding Gov. Eric Holcomb’s 2018 State of the State Address:

 “As Gov. Holcomb addressed the Indiana General Assembly and Hoosiers across Indiana during his State of the State address, it was encouraging to hear of the successes of our state, and his vision to take Indiana to the next level.

“I am especially pleased with Gov. Holcomb’s focus on combating our increasing drug epidemic, and am proud to be the author of Senate Bill 221, which has been included on his 2018 Next Level Agenda.

“By reforming Indiana’s Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (INSPECT) and requiring prescribers of opioids and benzodiazepines to search a patient’s previous prescription history, we can determine if individuals are ‘doctor hopping’ for multiple prescriptions, are using their prescriptions at a rate higher than recommended, or are at risk for an overdose.

“Attacking the opioid epidemic at the source – the prescription pad – is a vital step in our efforts to halt addiction before it starts and cut back on the number of dangerous pills flowing into our communities.

“I am thankful to Gov. Holcomb for including this legislation on his agenda, and am looking forward to working on this and other issues along with my colleagues in the General Assembly.”

Candidates encouraged to file documents early, may file until noon, February 9

Candidates seeking public office this year may begin filing their declarations of candidacy for the 2018 Primary Election tomorrow, Wednesday, January 10 with the Secretary of State or county election board.

Filing will remain open until 12:00pm local time on Friday, February 9, 2018.

A candidate seeking nomination by a major political party may file, as well as independent or minor party candidates and state convention delegates.

Candidates for U.S. Senate may begin filing petitions of nomination with county voter registration offices for verification of petition signatures.

“Electoral participation is the bedrock of our constitutional form of government, and I congratulate those individuals who have made the decision to enter public service,” said Secretary Lawson.

“I encourage all candidates to pay careful attention to the policies and deadlines set forth by the laws of our state, and to file the appropriate documents sooner rather than later to avoid unnecessary mistakes and ensure an easy and efficient process for all parties involved.”

Candidates may file their declaration of candidacy (form CAN-2) with the Secretary of State or the Indiana Election Division.

The Secretary of State’s Office is located in Room 201 of the Indiana Statehouse, 200 West Washington Street, Indianapolis.

The Election Division is located in Room E-204 of the Indiana Government Center, 302 West Washington Street, Indianapolis. Offices are open from 8:00am–4:30pm EST.

Further information can be found by calling the Election Division at 317-232-3939, or visiting www.in.gov/elections.  

State Sen. Erin Houchin (R-Salem) announced the filing of Senate Bill 221, aimed at combating the increasing drug epidemic in Indiana by reforming usage practices for Indiana’s Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (INSPECT).

This legislation has been included on the Senate Majority Caucus’ 2018 Agenda and Gov. Eric Holcomb’s 2018 Next Level Agenda.  

INSPECT allows a prescriber of opioids or benzodiazepines to search a patient’s previous prescription history to determine if they are “doctor shopping” for multiple prescriptions, are using their prescriptions at a rate higher than prescribed, or are at risk for an overdose. Currently, registration and regular searches of the INSPECT system are voluntary.

“Indiana’s Prescription Drug Monitoring Program is a valuable tool in our efforts to curb opiate overprescribing, which directly contributes to drug addiction, and accounts for millions of pills inundating our streets and communities,” said Houchin. “However, in order for it to be effective, INSPECT must be used consistently and efficiently.”

SB 221 would require practitioners who wish to prescribe opioids or benzodiazepines to register with INSPECT and perform mandatory searches, which will be phased in over a three-year period. Prescribers in emergency rooms and pain management clinics would be required to register and search by Jan. 1, 2019, all prescribers in hospital settings would be required to participate by Jan. 1, 2020, and all other prescribers would be required by Jan. 1, 2021.

“Our increasing drug epidemic is reaching crisis levels,” said Houchin. “By requiring mandatory INSPECT registration and searches, we will be combatting opiate addiction at the source, the prescription pad. I am pleased to see this legislation gaining support among my colleagues in the General Assembly.”