Last month, the New Jersey General Assembly unanimously passed a bill that would require all prescription opioid medications to have a warning sticker advising patients of the risks of addiction and overdose. The bill had previously passed the State Senate, also unanimously, back in March.

If the bill is signed by Governor Phil Murphy, New Jersey would be the first state to adopt a permanent law requiring such warning labels.

This legislation would be another positive step in helping to educate New Jersey residents about the potential for dependency and addiction to opioids.

While prescribers are required to have a conversation with their patients about these risks before prescribing an opioid – thanks to legislation enacted in 2017 -- adding another layer of information will help patients make safer and healthier decisions.