Bill would require locks on opioid prescription bottles

LANSING — To deter opioid abuse, Michigan lawmakers say it's time to rethink the child-resistant prescription vial.

In a Tuesday press conference, Republican and Democratic state representatives unveiled a bill requiring opioids and other Schedule II drugs to be dispensed in lockable vials. Patients would only be able to open the caps through a combination code or biometric recognition system.

The legislation mainly targets teenagers, who most commonly abuse opioids through "pilfering," or sneaking pills from a friend or relative's bottle. Under the bill, drug manufacturers would be responsible for reimbursing pharmacies for the costs of the lockable vials.

Other schedule II drugs in the state include medical marijuana, ADHD medication and morphine.

Last year, Michigan was ranked 10th for its number of opioid prescriptions per capita.

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