Sheriff Koutoujian Statement on An Act relative to Substance Use, Treatment, Education and Prevention

I want to thank President Rosenberg, Speaker DeLeo, the conference committee and all the members of the legislature for their work on this landmark legislation. Passage of this bill will be a significant step in our collective efforts to turn the tide of this devastating opioid epidemic, the toll of which I see first hand every day in the Middlesex Jail and House of Correction.

This comprehensive legislation provides a roadmap for addressing the crisis through education, treatment and increased prescriber responsibility. Data has now shown that 80 percent of those who turn to heroin begin with prescription painkillers, which is why I am pleased this legislation will set a seven-day limit for first time prescriptions. I am also encouraged to see the legislation codifies mandatory prescriber education in effective pain management, the risk of abuse associated with these medications and identification of patients at risk for substance use disorders. These key provisions serve to highlight the response to this crisis requires not only the work of public safety officials, but of public health officials as well.

The multipronged approach laid out in this legislation will assist those already battling the terrible disease of addiction, while laying the foundation for prevention and continued long-term engagement of the educational, medical, public health and public safety communities.

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