Dear Friends,
On Tuesday, the House voted to repeal Minnesota’s moratorium on REAL ID compliance. This legislation allows the legislature and Department of Public Safety to begin the process of bringing Minnesota into compliance with federal regulations.
Addressing Opioid Abuse
Raising awareness and improving addiction and recovery services is something that I am passionate about.
This week, I had two bills receive committee hearings that will address addiction and recovery services here in Minnesota.
House File 2660 establishes a grant program that would support physicians who are enrolled in an addiction medicine fellowship program. The program would prepare physicians to practice addiction medicine in rural and underserved areas of the state.
House File 1652 would provide for expanded use of prescription monitoring program (PMP) data, requiring prescribers and pharmacists to register and maintain an account with the program, and makes other important changes related to the prescription monitoring program.
This legislation will help combat “doctor shopping”, which can occur when those suffering from addiction visit multiple physicians to obtain multiple prescriptions for otherwise illegal drugs. Our doctors and dentists need this valuable tool to ensure patient safety.
Opioid abuse has become an epidemic across the nation and here in Minnesota with the number of deaths related to their use tripling over the last several years. I am committed to working hard to fight this deadly disease.
Staying in Touch
This weekend is the annual West Central Builders Home Show at the civic center in Willmar. I will be spending time at this year’s event and I encourage you to come out.
Door open at 9 am on both Saturday and Sunday.
It’s exciting to see the Barn Theater renovations continue to take shape! I am looking forward to its completion!
This is a look inside the newly renovated Barn Theater!
It’s hard to believe that the fourth week of the 2016 session has come to a close. Please be sure to contact me to let me know your thoughts or concerns regarding issues related to the legislature.
I can be reached by phone at 651-296-6206 or via email at rep.dave.baker@house.mn.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve you and your family. It truly is the honor of a lifetime.
Sincerely,
Dave