Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Sunday, April 8, 2018
(STATEHOUSE) - Gov. Eric Holcomb Friday ceremonially signed two new laws supported by State Rep. Steve Davisson (R-Salem) combating Indiana’s opioid epidemic.
"According to the Indiana State Department of Health, from 2015 to 2016, there was a 52 percent increase in opioid overdose deaths, and each month, nearly 100 Hoosiers die from a drug overdose," Davisson said. "These two new laws help bolster our fight against the epidemic and provide Hoosiers the help they need."
Senate Enrolled Act 139, sponsored by Davisson, requires coroners to obtain information about the deceased from INSPECT, Indiana's prescription monitoring program, and forward test results to the Indiana State Department of Health with their notice of death and information about the controlled substance that may have been involved.
"With accurate, statewide data, Indiana will be better able to respond to drug overdoses by identifying geographic hotspots," Davisson said. "These steps will help us combat opioid addiction from every angle."
House Enrolled Act 1007, co-authored by Davisson, adds up to nine new opioid treatment facilities statewide. Davisson said these added facilities will ensure treatment is available to Hoosiers within an hour-long drive of their home. Additionally, Davisson worked to include a provision giving more options to employers by allowing qualified job applicants and employees to begin work while participating in a drug education and addiction treatment program.
Davisson said Indiana holds the 17th-highest rate of overdose deaths in the country, and these new laws will provide Hoosiers with the resources necessary to fight addiction and track overdoses in order to prevent further drug-related deaths.
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