BOSTON, MA — Below is a round-up of reactions from this week’s passage of legislation in the House and Senate to address the state’s opioid epidemic.
Middlesex Sheriff Peter Koutoujian
“I want to thank President Rosenberg, Speaker DeLeo, the conference committee and all the members of the legislature for their work on this landmark legislation. Passage of this bill will be a significant step in our collective efforts to turn the tide of this devastating opioid epidemic, the toll of which I see first hand every day in the Middlesex Jail and House of Correction.
This comprehensive legislation provides a roadmap for addressing the crisis through education, treatment and increased prescriber responsibility. Data has now shown that 80 percent of those who turn to heroin begin with prescription painkillers, which is why I am pleased this legislation will set a seven-day limit for first time prescriptions. I am also encouraged to see the legislation codifies mandatory prescriber education in effective pain management, the risk of abuse associated with these medications and identification of patients at risk for substance use disorders. These key provisions serve to highlight the response to this crisis requires not only the work of public safety officials, but of public health officials as well.
The multipronged approach laid out in this legislation will assist those already battling the terrible disease of addiction, while laying the foundation for prevention and continued long-term engagement of the educational, medical, public health and public safety communities.”
“Prescription painkillers are claiming the lives of too many people here in Massachusetts and across the country. I thank the Governor, the Legislature and the many stakeholders we’ve worked with over the last year for their collective efforts to get a law on the books that will save lives. This bill will make a significant difference in how we as a society treat opioid painkillers. Among other things, the bill requires prescribers to check the prescription monitoring program each time they prescribe a narcotic, sets a one-week limit on first-time opioid prescriptions, and gives patients the ability to limit the number of pills they receive. The bill also includes important provisions aimed at informing young people, parents, and patients about the risks of opioid use and misuse, which will help prevent tragedies in the future. I am grateful for the Conference Committee’s hard work, and I look forward to a final bill making its way quickly to the Governor’s desk.”
“When I testified before the Legislature last year, I highlighted our shared responsibility in addressing our state’s opioid epidemic. Today, I commend the Legislature for meeting their responsibility by passing a bill that will have a meaningful impact on our state, particularly those struggling with addiction. It will provide more tools to doctors and pharmacies, and take critical steps to prevent abuse by young people. This bill should only be the beginning of our efforts; it should serve as a foundation for ongoing efforts to address this epidemic once and for all.”
Bump has been a long-time advocate for expanded substance abuse recovery efforts. She is co-founder of a residential recovery home for women in Brockton. Last year, she testified before the Joint Committee on Mental Health and Substance Abuse in support of legislation to address the opioid epidemic. The Office of the State Auditor is also a member of the Interagency Group on Illegal Prescribing, which seeks to investigate illegal prescribing or distribution in the Commonwealth.
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