Governor Tom Wolf signed five bills into law to combat the opioid crisis. Governor Wolf and his administration have already worked with the State Legislature to provide more than $20 million in treatment funding, make naloxone available to Pennsylvanians, and redesign the state’s Prescription Drug Monitoring Program. These new laws are only the next steps in fighting the opioid epidemic.
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AP: Wolf signs measures to address Pennsylvania opioid crisis
Five new Pennsylvania laws are now in place to address the state’s opioid addiction and abuse problem, including limits on how much can be prescribed in an emergency room or issued to children . Democratic Governor Tom Wolf on Wednesday signed the legislative package, which includes a mandate that doctors check the state’s prescription drug monitoring database when they prescribe opioids, not just for first-time patients.
WPVI: Gov. Wolf Signs 5 New Opioid Laws
WTAJ: Wolf signs bill to fight heroin crisis
“The epidemic will be fought piece by piece with hard work and victories like the ones we celebrate today,” said Liz Roderick, who lost her brother to substance use disorder. “Our family is honored to be standing with the Governor as he signs these bills that will ultimately save lives and prevent tragedy like the one that has scarred our family and so many others. It is my hope that we will continue to combat the stigma of addiction and continue to fight for a stronger system that will protect our loved ones.”
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Gov. Wolf signs laws to curb opioid prescribing
Gov. Tom Wolf today signed into law a package of bills intended to curb the epidemic of opioid abuse in Pennsylvania. The new laws will restrict the prescribing of opioids to minors and emergency room patients and will increase education for physicians. Mr. Wolf told a crowd gathered in the Capitol rotunda that while the new requirements are celebrated, work remains to be done, including requiring health insurers to provide access to versions of opioid drugs that are harder to abuse.