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House Passes Bill To Limit Opioid Prescriptions, Expand Access To Naloxone

FAIRFIELD COUNTY, Conn. — The House of Representatives unanimously approved legislation Monday that would expand the state's effort to combat the opioid epidemic by limiting prescriptions of opioid drugs and expanding the use of an overdose reversal drug.

Gov. Dannel Malloy

Gov. Dannel Malloy

Photo Credit: Jay Polansky, File

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy introduced the bill, in collaboration with several members of the General Assembly.

"Addiction is a disease — we should treat it as just that. That this bill would limit opioid prescriptions for no longer than seven days is an important, proactive step to curb this alarming trend," Malloy said. "This vote is another step forward in our efforts to ensure that those who need help get it." 

Malloy said he expected the Senate to follow suit. 

"It is critical that we continue to combat this problem," he said.

"It's an important part of strengthening Connecticut communities and our public health," Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman said. "This bill demonstrates our strong commitment to preventing opioid addiction, as well as addressing addiction and recovery."

The legislation is House Bill 5053, An Act Increasing Access to Overdose Reversal Drugs. The amended legislation approved Monday has several provisions that would build on the state's current actions to combat the opioid epidemic, including:

  • Requiring municipalities to update emergency medical services plans to ensure that the emergency responder on the scene of an emergency call is equipped with and prepared to administer the overdose reversal drug naloxone;
  • Closing a gap in liability language related to a licensed health care professional who administers an opioid antagonist;
  • Prohibiting commercial health carriers from requiring prior authorization for coverage of naloxone; and
  • Prohibiting, for adult patients, an initial prescription of opioid drugs for longer than seven days and for minor patients, any prescriptions for longer than seven days and requiring the prescriber to discuss the risks associated with the patient and the custodial parent or guardian, among others.

The bill next will be considered by the State Senate.

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