Rep. Doyle Heffley recently served as a panelist at a symposium aimed at exploring the rapid rise in prescription opioid abuse and heroin use across Pennsylvania.

Heffley spoke about recent legislative efforts to address the problem. House Resolution 659, passed by the House this year, created a task force and advisory board. Heffley, the Pennsylvania Medical Society, along with the state departments of Drug and Alcohol Programs and Health, in announcing prescribing guidelines for opioid prescription drugs. Those recommendations call for a hybrid approach to pain management and the careful use of medications as needed.Last year, the House approved legislation to create a confidential prescription drug monitoring database for professionals who prescribe or dispense prescription medication. The bill is now with the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee.On Sept. 17, the House passed Senate Bill 1164, which would allow first responders to have access to Narcan, which has been effective in stopping overdoses. It would also allow family members or loved ones of those suffering from addiction to obtain a prescription for Narcan.