Gov. Charlie Baker signed a bill Monday that will put tighter restrictions on powerful prescription drugs.
Baker pushed for the legislation as Massachusetts struggles to stem a growing tide of opioid deaths, including overdoses from heroin.
The bill limits initial painkiller prescriptions to a seven-day supply and set an evaluation requirement within 24 hours for overdose victims seeking help at hospital emergency rooms.
The legislation gives patients the ability to fill only part of their painkiller prescriptions at a time. It also requires schools to verbally screen students for potential drug abuse. Parents could opt their child out of the screenings.
"This is the first law in the nation to limit an opioid prescription and I hope other states consider pursuing something similar," said Baker.
The Massachusetts House and Senate unanimously approved the bill last week. Baker plans to put the new restrictions into effect immediately.
On Monday, Middlesex Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian released a statement:
The historic legislation signed into law by Governor Baker today marks a significant step in our collective efforts to bring the Commonwealth’s opioid epidemic to an end. The comprehensive legislation passed unanimously by the House and Senate sets us on a path to creating a healthier, safer Commonwealth by placing an emphasis not only on treatment, but also on education and increased prescriber responsibility.
I want to thank Governor Baker and the members of the legislature for their leadership, as well as the countless advocates and members of the medical and public safety communities who came together to shape this landmark legislation.
While we rightly pause to celebrate today’s signing, we recognize the hard work of implementation remains and the same spirit of collaboration, which has brought us to this moment, must continue unabated. We also remain cognizant we must continue to revisit and revaluate this legislation to ensure it works as intended and we make necessary updates on a routine basis.
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