Bills aimed at reducing the availability of opioids were signed into law today.
The new laws, among other things, require doctors to check an opioid registry before prescribing certain opioids. This is aimed at preventing people from so-called “doctor shopping."
Doctors had originally expressed reservations about having to use the registry so frequently. Lieutenant Governor Brian Calley says lawmakers waited until the system was faster and more up to date before requiring its use.
“We wanted to make it as easy as possible to have this a normal part of the medical practice," he said at the bill signing. "This will make a huge difference.”
Schools will also now be required to include education on opioids and addictions in their health education classes.
Some advocates praised the bills are helpful, but said there’s still more work to be done.
“It seems like every time we fix one part of this puzzle we find out ten more pieces that are missing that we need to address," said Judge Linda Davis with Families Against Narcotics. "So it’s really important that we keep our eye on the ball here.”
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