Amendment ID: S2898-11-R1

Redraft Amendment 11

Benzodiazepines Commission

Messrs. Brownsberger, Payano and Tarr move that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section 15 the following section:-

“SECTION 15A. (a) There shall be a special commission to study prescribing practices for benzodiazepines and non-benzodiazepine hypnotics.

(b) The commission shall meet not less than 4 times and shall invite the public and medical experts in the field to offer testimony. The commission shall study and make recommendations on topics including, but not limited to: (i) current and best prescribing practices for benzodiazepines and non-benzodiazepine hypnotics; (ii) proper labeling of benzodiazepines and non-benzodiazepine hypnotics; and (iii) protocols to safely discontinue the use of benzodiazepines and non-benzodiazepine hypnotics and minimize the patient’s symptoms of withdrawal.

(c) The commission shall consist of: the commissioner of public health or a designee, who shall serve as chair; the secretary of health and human services or a designee; 4 members to be appointed by the governor, 1 of whom shall be a psychiatrist licensed to practice in the commonwealth, 1 of whom shall be a representative from the bureau of substance abuse services, 1 of whom shall be a representative from the Center for Addiction Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital and 1 of whom shall be an advocate from the addiction treatment community.

(d) The commission shall report its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the clerks of the senate and the house of representatives, the joint committee on mental health, substance use and recovery and the senate and house committees on ways and means not later than 1 year after the commission’s first meeting.”.