Governor Signs Groundbreaking Opioid Legislation

May 30, 2016

I recently attended the bill signing ceremony for new legislation to combat Connecticut's opioid epidemic. PA 16-43, An Act Concerning Access to Overdose Reversal Drugs, acts both to help those currently struggling with opioid addiction and prevent new cases of addiction.

The legislation will:

  • require that municipal first responders carry Narcan, a drug used to treat opioid overdose, and prohibit insurers from requiring prior authorization for Narcan prescriptions
  • cap first-time painkiller prescriptions to a 7-day supply for both minors and adults except in limited circumstances
  • strengthen Connecticut's prescription monitoring program
  • release health care professionals and good Samaritans from liability when they administer an opioid antagonist, such as Narcan, to treat an overdose
  • add more on-the-ground experts, including an emergency medical technician and a licensed alcohol and drug counselor, to the Connecticut Alcohol and Drug Policy Council

I’m proud to have supported this important legislation. I will continue to work with my colleagues to find ways to address opioid addiction.