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Politics & Government
New law will combat the opioid crisis and support residents living with substance use disorder.
Local Official
BOSTON—State Senators Jason Lewis and Pat Jehlen and State Representatives Michael Day and Michelle Ciccolo joined their colleagues in the Massachusetts Legislature to pass legislation that will combat the opioid crisis and support residents living with substance use disorder (SUD).
An Act relative to treatments and coverage for substance use disorder and recovery coach licensure expands non-opioid pain treatments, establishes licensing for recovery coaches, and supports pregnant women and their children who have been exposed to substances.
It will greatly expand access to opioid-reversal drugs like naloxone. In 2023, 2,125 lives were lost as a result of an overdose, 232 fewer than in 2022, according to the Department of Public Health (DPH). Since 2023, naloxone has reversed more than 10,000 overdoses in Massachusetts.
“The devastating impacts of substance use disorder cause immeasurable pain to families, friends, and neighbors in our communities, especially for those who have lost loved ones,” said State Senator Jason Lewis. “This new law will help more people along their journey to recovery and save many lives.”
“Ensuring we invest in equitable access to mental health and substance use resources is crucial,” said State Senator Patricia Jehlen. “I am happy to support and pass legislation that gives people facing substance use disorder access to appropriate treatment and protects them from discrimination when they seek medical care or other basic needs because they have a history of accessing life saving treatment for substance use disorder.”
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“This legislation continues to move our state forward in the treatment of substance use disorder, a disease that affects people from all walks of life,” said State Representative Michael Day. “With this measure we continue to follow science by taking a public health-focused approach by providing resources to those struggling with addiction and strengthening protections for those seeking and providing related healthcare services. I was proud to support passage of this bill.”
“Substance use disorders devastate families, communities, and our Commonwealth as a whole,” said State Representative Michelle Ciccolo. “This law takes critical steps to ensure more people have access to life saving care and support. I was proud to join my colleagues in voting for this bill.”
Key provisions of the legislation include:
After final passage in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, Governor Maura Healey signed the bill into law on December 23, 2024.
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