Bill To Fight Opioid Epidemic Advances

March 4, 2016

Representative Joe Gresko applauded the unanimous 22-0 vote that was taken by the Public Health Committee today to approve legislation that expands on the state’s efforts to combat the opioid epidemic.

The legislation, House Bill 5053 – An Act Increasing Access to Overdose Reversal Drugs, requires that municipalities update their existing emergency medical services plan to ensure that the primary emergency response provider on the scene of an emergency call is equipped with and prepared to administer the overdose reversing drug naloxone and has been appropriately trained to do so. It also prohibits commercial health carriers from requiring prior authorization for coverage of naloxone.

The bill also closes a gap in current liability language related to a licensed health professional who administers an opioid antagonist.

“Connecticut is not immune to the nationwide problem of opioid addiction," Gresko said. "This legislation will help us in our fight for a healthier state and nation. I look forward to voting to approve this bill when it is taken up in the House of Representatives.”