P.A.A.R.I Co-Founder and Co-Chairman John Rosenthal was among the leaders in the fight against the opioid crisis to join Gov. Charlie Baker and legislative leaders for the signing of major legislation on Tuesday.
“It was an honor to join so many people in the commonwealth who are committed to overcoming the opioid crisis together through sustained action,” Rosenthal said. “I’m grateful for the continued leadership and support of Gov. Baker and his administration as well as House Speaker Robert DeLeo, who continue to make Massachusetts the national leader in addressing this issue with a compassionate approach that is saving lives.”
An Act for prevention and access to appropriate care and treatment of addiction was signed into law by Baker yesterday. It mandates:
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All prescribers convert to secure electronic prescriptions (including Schedule II drugs) by 2020.
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Prescribers check the PMP each time a prescription for a benzodiazepine is issued.
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Massachusetts’ existing partial fill law align with new federal changes that allow patients to fill the remainder of their opioid prescription at the same pharmacy within five days of the issue date on the script.
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DPH issue a statewide standing order for naloxone from a pharmacy.
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Changing the composition of the Board of Registration of Nursing to require that one nurse member currently provide direct care to patients with substance use disorder; one nurse member provide direct care to patients living in outpatient community based behavioral health setting and one nurse member currently provide direct care to patients living with chronic care.
Strengthening intervention and harm reduction strategies including:
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Establishing a recovery coach commission to review and make recommendations regarding the standards that should govern the credentialing of recovery coaches.
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Requiring the development and implementation of a statewide program to provide remote consultations to primary care practices, nurse practitioners, and other health care providers for individuals over age 17 who are experiencing chronic pain or exhibit symptoms of substance use disorder.
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Creating a section 35 involuntary commitment commission to study the efficacy of involuntary inpatient treatment for non-court involved individuals diagnosed with substance use disorder.
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Establishing a commission to study the way consumer protection laws in the Commonwealth may be strengthened to hold corporate entities responsible for their role in furthering the opioid epidemic.
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Creating a commission on community behavioral health promotion and prevention and a separate commission to review and make recommendations regarding harm reduction opportunities, including harm reduction sites, to address substance use disorder. Both commissions will be chaired by the EOHHS Secretary.
