Rep. Harding Proud of Legislature’s Effort to Combat Opioid Use & Drug Overdoses

A bi-partisan bill that has been supported by a landslide of lawmakers, in both chambers of the General Assembly, is one that increases access to overdose reversal drugs. State Rep. Stephen Harding (R-107), co-sponsor of the bill, voted towards its unanimous passage in the House on April 25 and applauded its concurrence Tuesday evening after being passed in the Senate.

This legislation, noted as House Bill 5053, will ensure that all emergency first responders be equipped and trained to administer the overdose-reversal drug naloxone, also known as Narcan. Naloxone is an emergency drug that can save the life of a person who has overdosed on heroin or by the misuse of prescription opioids. The bill was drafted in response to the addiction crisis gripping communities statewide.

“I’ve supported this legislation from the start of my first session, as it has always been of personal importance to me,” said Rep. Harding. “For too long, addiction has been a battle that our neighbors, friends and loved ones fight alone. I refuse to hear that we didn’t know, that there was nothing we can do, that another person has been lost to this tragedy. This bill will provide first responders with the resources necessary to save the life of an individual experiencing an overdose and give that person a second chance to overcome their addiction.”

The bill also assists in combating addiction itself. Among the legislation’s many components, it:

  • Limits practitioners from issuing prescriptions for opioids to minors for more than a 7 day supply;
  • Prohibits commercial health carriers from requiring prior authorization for coverage of naloxone;
  • Changes electronic prescription monitoring programs to improve prescriber and pharmacist compliance; and
  • Expands participation of community stakeholders in the Alcohol and Drug Policy Council, and requires the panel to include in our statewide plan a goal of reducing the number of opioid-induced death.

The bill, now in concurrence, awaits a signature from the governor to become law.

Rep. Harding represents the 107th district of Brookfield, Bethel and Danbury.

D
Submitted by Danbury, CT

Become a Local Voice in Your Community!

HamletHub invites you to contribute stories, events, and more to keep your neighbors informed and connected.

Read Next