Bill preventing drug abuse in the home currently before Illinois governor

 

 

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Preventing prescription medicines from falling into the hands of abusers and children soon may become a whole lot easier in the Prairie State. 

 

In June, the Illinois legislature sent House Bill 3219 to the governor, marking the first piece of legislation of its kind that would require pharmacies that are opting-in to place a locking device on prescription painkiller containers.

 

“When it comes to addiction and substance abuse issues, we've seen time and time again the need for an aggressive approach to deter abusers,” stated Rep. Michael Zalewski, D-23rd district, who first sponsored the bill in February. 

 

If Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner signs the bill, all prescribed hydrocodone painkillers must be contained in a medicine bottle with a numerical locking device, such as those used for gym locks, as part of a one-year testing period.

 

The bill would support use of Gatekeeper Innovation's Safer Lock, a personal 4-digit combination locking prescription bottle that has been certified to protect children under the age of 7 from unauthorized access to prescription medication, while allowing seniors up to the age of 70 easy access.

 

Gatekeeper reported that the product has gained distribution through Giant Eagle, Roundy’s and Save Mart. Also available online, the medicine locking closure retails for $11.99. Safer Lock fits on most traditional prescription bottles. Adaptors are available for non-standard sized bottles.

 

“We’re an inexpensive insurance policy for parents,” stated inventor Joseph Simpson. “A locking cap significantly reduces any incident of accidental ingestion and provides peace of mind for families.”

 

The Illinois bill, if signed into law, would take effect Jan. 1, 2016.