nothin New Haven Independent | Malloy Signs Opioid Abuse Bill into Law

Malloy Signs Opioid Abuse Bill into Law

With Permission

It wasn’t unexpected, but Gov. Dannel P. Malloy signed the bill increasing access to opioid-reversal drugs on Friday. The bill includes several other measures to combat the epidemic of opioid use in Connecticut, including prohibiting a prescription for opioid use for more than seven days and prohibiting pre-approval from health care providers for the use of naloxone (Narcan), a life-saving medication to treat overdoses; it also requires first responders to be trained in the administration of Narcan.

In Branford, first responders already have administered Narcan on various calls.

State Rep. Sean Scanlon (D‑Guilford) has been at the forefront of pushing forward with this legislation and with getting Narcan to first responders. Scanlon represents Guilford and two sections of Branford, Stony Creek and Pine Orchard.

It’s not very often you can pass legislation that will save lives – it’s the highlight of my term to have helped with this bill. The stories I have heard the stories of people struggling will hopefully be a source of encouragement,” Scanlon said earlier this month, after the bill had been passed by state house and senate. 

Scanlon said, The bill does not limit use for chronic pain such as cancer, arthritis, fibromyalgia. Those people are exempt.” He added that the limits apply to acute pain.

Many have a legitimate function. The problem is quantity – people take a few for a procedure and the rest languish in the medicine cabinet. The bill also approves the use of acupuncture for people with substance abuse. There have to be alternative methods,” he said.

The seven-day limit is effective immediately upon signing.

Scanlon hosted a forum last month attended by local first responders, representatives from state and local social services, and state legislators. Among those on the panel was Michelle Sember of Branford, whose son, RJ, became a heroin addict. She was at the bill signing and said that her son was now in recovery.

Our nation is facing a prescription painkiller and heroin overdose epidemic. Connecticut is not immune. That’s why this bill builds upon our past efforts that we have made to prevent drug abuse and addition, to educate the public about the dangers of prescription drug misuse, and to save the lives of those who suffer from addiction.” Malloy said at the signing. The provisions in this legislation will help save lives. Addiction is a disease. Our work is not finished until our communities and our families are no longer struggling with the grave costs of this illness.”

Malloy also announced the creation of a partnership between his office, the Yale School of Medicine, and Connecticut’s insurance carriers to develop a strategic plan to guide the state’s response to the epidemic. Led by Dr. David Fiellin of Yale, this effort will be shaped by addiction experts and state agency leaders, and will include input from local and national experts, as well as the general public.
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