HARTFORD — Gov. Dannel P. Malloy signed a bill into law Friday that will deter the over-prescribing of opioid painkillers and ensure that first responders are better equipped to mange opioid addiction.
Supporters say a seven-day cap on first-time opioid prescriptions will help reduce abuse by limiting access to unused pills. The move was recommended by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
There are limited exceptions, however, when painkillers can be prescribed for longer periods of time.
The bill also requires that local emergency medical services carry naloxone, or Narcan, which can be administered to save the life of a person experiencing an opioid overdose. It also prevents health insurers from requiring prior authorization for Narcan prescriptions, which will enable first responders to have quick access to it during an emergency.
Health care professionals and good Samaritans also will be clear of liability when administering Narcan.
“I believe that every time we save a life, we have yet another chance to cure an addiction,” Malloy said.
The bill passed the House and the Senate unanimously.
“Connecticut can be very proud of this legislation,” Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman said, “because it represents a true collaboration between the governor, the legislature, and the communities in which we all live.”
“This bill has components that will help Connecticut combat this crisis,” state Sen. Theresa Gerratana, D-New Britain, Senate chair of the Public Health Committee said, adding that the bill enhances alcohol and drug counseling.
She said there is also an educational component for children who may have to use pain medication.
“This is such a serious problem,” Wyman said. “It’s one that is killing our citizens even when they don’t know that they are being attacked. Public awareness is critical.”
State Sen. Timothy D. Larson, D-East Hartford, attended the bill signing.
“We must do all that we can to help stem the tide of addiction by limiting prolonged access to these highly addictive medications, which all too frequently lead to heroin abuse and death,” he said. “No one should go into a doctor’s office for medical care and come out an addict.”
Sue Kruczek, whose 20-year-old son, Nick, died in 2013 as a result of an opioid addiction, said that “by significantly reducing the amount of excess pills being prescribed, you are going to save all the Nicks of the future.
“Had Nick never been introduced to them, I’m sure he would be doing something great today,” she said while fighting back tears.
Larson said Kruczek’s story “has put a face on this problem,” but “she is not alone in this fight.”
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