Community members, health experts, and other officials are testifying today at a public hearing of the General Assembly’s Public Health Committee in support of legislation introduced by Governor Dannel P. Malloy that continues the state’s efforts to combat opioid overdoses. The legislation is yet another piece in the state’s efforts to tackle the issue, and aims to increase access to the overdose reversing drug naloxone for both first responders and citizens who want to purchase the medication.
Report by Paula Antolini
February 16, 2016 6:10PM EDT
What They’re Saying: Leaders and Community Members Show Solid Support for Gov. Malloy’s Opioid Legislation
February 16, 2016 – HARTFORD, CT – Community members, health experts, and other officials are testifying today at a public hearing of the General Assembly’s Public Health Committee in support of legislation introduced by Governor Dannel P. Malloy that continues the state’s efforts to combat opioid overdoses. The legislation is yet another piece in the state’s efforts to tackle the issue, and aims to increase access to the overdose reversing drug naloxone for both first responders and citizens who want to purchase the medication.
Testimony of the Uniformed Professional Fire Fighters Association of Connecticut, Richard Hart, Director of Legislative and Political Affairs:
“Membership in the Uniformed Professional Fire Fighters Association of Connecticut is comprised of approximately 4,000 union firefighters in Connecticut. I am here to express our strong support for HB 5053, An Act Increasing Access to Overdose Reversal Drugs.
“As the saying goes, this legislation is a slam dunk.”
Testimony of the Greater Valley Substance Abuse Action Council, Pamela Mautte, Director:
“Many of the paramedics and other first responders who I’ve spoken with throughout the state that have access to this medication report they use it frequently and it is easy to use. I urge you to support this important bill and provide access to all first responders.”
Testimony of AIDS CT, Shawn M. Lang, Deputy Director:
“Addiction is a multi-faceted and complex issue that required better and more treatment options, as well as a coordinated, multi-pronged approach which must include expanding availability and making Naloxone access easier. Ensuring that all first responders in municipalities across the state are equipped with Naloxone will save lives.”
Testimony of the Connecticut AFL-CIO, Lori J. Pelletier, President:
“While the legislature took the first step to authorize the State Police to carry the overdose reversal drug, it’s time for this year [the] legislature take the next step to help stop the unnecessary deaths that addition to these drugs can cause by ensuring that all first responders in every municipality is equipped with an opioid antagonist; (Narcan or other approved drugs) and that all first responders have received the proper training to administer them.
“Let’s give our first responders the tools that they need to do what they do best, that being saving lives.”
Testimony of the Connecticut Association of Health Plans:
“The Connecticut Association of Health Plans is pleased to support the Governor’s initiative HB 5053, An Act Increasing Access to Overdose Reversal Drugs. Section 2 of the bill requires that drug coverage of opioid antagonist medications such as naloxone hydrochloride or other similarly acting or equally safe drugs be provided by both individual and group policies without prior authorization. While all the major commercial health insurance carriers do not currently require prior authorization for such drugs in recognition of their importance, we applaud the Governor’s call to reflect such policy in statute and support the proposal before you.”
Testimony of the Connecticut Department of Public Health, Raul Pino, Commissioner:
“The Department of Public Health supports the Governor’s bill HB 5053 regarding access to opioid overdose reversal drugs, such as naloxone. This bill will mandate each municipality to amend their local emergency medical services plan to ensure that municipality’s primary emergency medical responder is equipped with an opioid antagonist and be properly trained in the administration of the medication.”
“Such drugs can be life-saving if they are administered in a timely manner. Though they are not a substitute for addiction treatment, they may be the first step for an individual toward treatment and recovery.”
Testimony of the Connecticut Department of Children and Families, Joette Katz, Commissioner:
“We know, based on the 60+ lives saved by State Police personnel over the past year and a half, that increasing access statewide will save more lives. As a Co-Chair of the Alcohol and Drug Policy Council (ADPC), I strongly support efforts to have naloxone available to those in a position to save lives.”
Testimony of the Connecticut Insurance Department, Katharine Wade, Commissioner:
“HB 5053 introduces new opportunities for municipalities to update their existing emergency medical services plan to ensure that the primary emergency response provider on the scene of an emergency call is equipped with and prepared to administer naloxone and has been appropriately trained to do so, and requires insurance carriers that cover opioid antagonists to do so without prior authorization.”
“Over the last year, the Department has been working together with carriers and other agencies to ensure coverage for this life saving drug. Last year, the Department participated in working groups and assisted in drafting PA 15-198 which included insurance coverage of opioid antagonists when prescribed by pharmacists. This legislation will ensure that carriers will continue to cover opioid antagonists without prior authorization in the future.”
Testimony of the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, Nancy Navarretta, Deputy Commissioner:
“Since 2011, Governor Malloy has made significant strides to ensure that Narcan is readily available in our communities. With his support, Connecticut law currently allows a licensed health care professional to prescribe, dispense, or administer a naloxone to any individual to treat or prevent a drug overdose without being liable for damages in a civil action of subject to criminal prosecution nor in violation of their professional standards of care. A reversal of an overdose with Narcan represents an opportunity for that individual to engage in treatment and start on the road to recovery. This bill will enhance the availability of Narcan, which will save more lives.”
Testimony of the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection, Jonathan Harris, Commissioner:
“The bill before you today represents an important next step in the state’s ongoing effort to tackle the problem of drug overdoses.”
“Over this past year, the Department developed and implemented a training program that enables pharmacists to prescribe naloxone. Already, over 130 pharmacists have taken this training program and are now able to prescribe and dispense naloxone to anyone believing it may save a friend or family member’s life. In addition, ongoing discussions and commitments from several large pharmacy chains suggest that many more pharmacists will be able to prescribe this life-saving drug over the course of the year.”
Today’s public hearing began at 11:00 a.m. in Room 2E of the Legislative Office Building. The Governor’s legislation is House Bill 5053 – An Act Increasing Access to Overdose Reversal Drugs.
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