Newly Introduced Senate Bill Limits the Amount of Opioids Prescribed to Patients

This week, I would like to focus on New Jersey lawmakers and in particular Senator James Holzapfel’s (R-10) S2188 Bill which would require doctors to limit the amount of opioids prescribed to patients on a first-time basis or to minors to no longer than seven days. The prescription drug epidemic impacts all age groups and, in particular, our young people.

As you will see in the video below, Lynn Regan, whose son David founded the "Loud N Clear" Foundation in Howell, knows firsthand just how devastating a substance abuse problem can be on one’s well-being and their loved ones.

The proposed legislation would also have prescribers discuss risks of a drug with the parents/guardians of a minor or first-time user. This is crucial in developing strategies to reverse the prescription drug and heroin epidemic our state and nation are facing… as more and more of our children gain access to prescribed medications, more are getting addicted. Barnabas Hospital in Toms River is already limiting types of medications, dosages and frequency in their emergency rooms while St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center in Paterson became the first in the nation to utilize an Alternative to Opiates Program in their emergency rooms. With efforts like these, we can ensure that all New Jerseyans are exposed to safer alternatives. 

from newyork.cbslocal.com

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