Post by Logan on Mar 14, 2016 16:17:39 GMT -6
Emotional Gov. Charlie Baker signs bill to tackle opioid abuse
An emotional Gov. Charlie Baker today signed what he called the most comprehensive law in the nation to combat an opioid addiction scourge, including a seven-day limit on first-time prescriptions for opiate painkillers.
The Republican governor struggled to maintain his composure while recalling families he had met — some standing behind him at the Statehouse ceremony — who had lost loved ones to a "deadly, merciless epidemic" and others who were desperately seeking help for a family member.
In recent years, the opiate-abuse epidemic has claimed thousands of lives in Massachusetts. The law, which was given final approval by the Legislature last week, establishes new rules and procedures for the prescribing of opiate painkillers. Supporters of the limits say most heroin addicts first become hooked on painkillers that were either prescribed or obtained illegally.
"This is the first law in the nation to limit an opioid prescription and I hope other states consider pursuing something similar," Baker said.
Read more: www.bostonherald.com/news/local_politics/2016/03/emotional_gov_charlie_baker_signs_bill_to_tackle_opioid_abuse
An emotional Gov. Charlie Baker today signed what he called the most comprehensive law in the nation to combat an opioid addiction scourge, including a seven-day limit on first-time prescriptions for opiate painkillers.
The Republican governor struggled to maintain his composure while recalling families he had met — some standing behind him at the Statehouse ceremony — who had lost loved ones to a "deadly, merciless epidemic" and others who were desperately seeking help for a family member.
In recent years, the opiate-abuse epidemic has claimed thousands of lives in Massachusetts. The law, which was given final approval by the Legislature last week, establishes new rules and procedures for the prescribing of opiate painkillers. Supporters of the limits say most heroin addicts first become hooked on painkillers that were either prescribed or obtained illegally.
"This is the first law in the nation to limit an opioid prescription and I hope other states consider pursuing something similar," Baker said.
Read more: www.bostonherald.com/news/local_politics/2016/03/emotional_gov_charlie_baker_signs_bill_to_tackle_opioid_abuse