Massachusetts opioid law serves as ‘blueprint’ for other states, says governor

Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker signed legislation to fight the opioid epidemic into law Aug. 9, according to Mass Live. 

Advertisement

The law expands patient access to the overdose reversal drug Narcan, requires all prescribers in the state to convert to secure electronic prescriptions for addictive medications by 2020 and creates a credentialing process for substance abuse recovery coaches, among other initiatives.

This is the second major opioid-related bill Mr. Baker signed since 2015. In 2017, about 2,016 people died from opioid-related overdoses.

“This legislation has been used as a blueprint for fighting the epidemic in states,” Mr. Baker said during a signing ceremony Aug. 14, according to The Herald News. “It’s truly a team effort, and there’s a lot more to be done.”

More articles on opioids: 

Oregon Medicaid proposal would cut all opioids for chronic pain patients
Johns Hopkins creates opioid guidelines for 20 common surgeries
Dr. Toby Cosgrove: Opioid epidemic has ‘peaked’

Becker’s 3rd Annual Fall Chief Pharmacy Officer Summit is the top tier event that the people leading the future of pharmacy convene. This 3-day event is built specifically for Chief Pharmacy Officers and senior pharmacy leaders. The sessions examine the workforce, financial and clinical priorities shaping pharmacy today. Becker’s is where candid discussions flourish and new ideas thrive. Becker's 3rd Annual Fall Chief Pharmacy Officer Summit

Advertisement

Next Up in Public Health

Advertisement

Comments are closed.