On Friday shortly before the start of the July 4th holiday, Governor Phil Murphy signed a legislative package to Address Opioid Epidemic. The bills fall broadly into three categories – Increase in Harm Reduction Services, Data Collection and Resiliency for Family and Children.
The bills which are now law are:
S-3491 revises and expands authorization for any person or entity to obtain, distribute, and administer opioid antidotes. The League supported this measure as an additional tool to help eliminate the opioid epidemic in the state and facilitate treatment.
S-3803 permits certain paramedics to administer buprenorphine.
S-3814 requires Department of Children and Family or court to consider placement of children with relatives or kinship guardians when making placement decision; makes changes to certain standards for initiating petitions to terminate parental rights.
A-5595 requires Division of Consumer Affairs to publish retail price of certain opioid antidotes in the “New Jersey Prescription Drug Retail Price Registry”, which is available on their website and toll-free telephone service.
A-5597 permits school districts to administer anonymous voluntary student health surveys after prior written notification to parents and legal guardians. The survey can be concerning the use of alcohol, tobacco, drugs, and vaping; sexual behavior and attitudes; behaviors that may contribute to intentional or unintentional injuries or violence; or physical activity and nutrition-related behaviors.
A-5703 requires certain health insurers, Medicaid, NJ FamilyCare, State Health Benefits Plan, and State Employees Health Benefits Plan to cover opioid antidote without imposing prior authorization requirements.
The League is supportive of breaking down barriers to end the opioid epidemic.
Contact: Paul Penna, Legislative Analyst, ppenna@njlm.org, 609-695-3481 x110.