The state of Michigan is putting a tighter lock its medicine cabinet.

Lt. Gov. Brian Calley signed legislation yesterday that he says will help combat the opioid epidemic.

Calley says  “The addiction epidemic is now claiming more lives than car accidents and we are taking an all-hands-on deck approach in Michigan to combat it and prevent future addiction.” 

Under the new legislation.. the prescribing physician would be required to check a patient’s prescription history in the Michigan Automated Prescription System before providing controlled substances to patients. Meaning that abusers would not be prescribed opioid base medicines

Disciplinary action for prescribers who fail to use the system is outlined as well.

The bills also limit the amount of prescribed medicines for acute pains and requires the Prescription Drug and Opioid Abuse Commission to develop recommendations for the Michigan Department of Education on how to instruct students on the dangers of prescription drug abuse and addiction.