State Representative Jesse MacLachlan (R-35) on June 1 applauded the passage of House Bill 7052, which will continue the state’s efforts to combat the opioid epidemic.

“The number of overdose deaths related to opioids continues to skyrocket in Connecticut,” said Rep. MacLachlan. “The opioid crisis is impacting families throughout our state, and those suffering from addiction need our help. This legislation will not eliminate the crisis overnight, but it will educate more people about the danger of taking opioid drugs and help protect our children from being over-prescribed.”

This bill, which was introduced by Governor Dan Malloy and co-sponsored by Rep. MacLachlan, contains various provisions on controlled substance abuse prevention, particularly as it relates to opioid drugs. Provisions include:

1. Generally requires prescriptions for controlled substances to be transmitted electronically to a pharmacy;

2. Requires prescriptions for minors to be limited to a five day initial supply of opioid drugs;

3. Allows certain registered nurses to destroy or dispose of their patient’s controlled substances;

4. Creates a process by which patients may request to not be prescribed an opioid drug; and

5. Requires practitioners, when prescribing opioids, to discuss with all patients, rather than only minors, the risks associated with opioid drug use.

Rep. MacLachlan continued, “We need to come together as a society and make it our top priority to eradicate this addiction. I will continue to work with healthcare professionals, police officers, families and those suffering from addiction to find common sense solutions that will start reducing the amount of overdose deaths per year.”

The bill passed 146-0 and now heads to the Senate for consideration.

State Representative Jesse MacLachlan (R-35) represents Killingworth, Clinton, and northern Westbrook in the general Assembly.