Gov. Raimondo signs three new opioid bills into law

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PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) – Three new laws in Rhode Island tackle the opioid crisis head on.

The first law limits initial opioid prescriptions to the maximum daily dosage which is established by the RI DOH. The second requires pharmacies to post warnings about opioids, and another law ensures those with Narcan prescriptions are not denied life insurance.

“All of these things are going to help slow the epidemic down and help a lot of people,” said Co-Sponsor of the legislation, Representative David Bennett.

He says the first law is aimed at getting more opioids off the streets.

The second law he compared to the warning on a carton of cigarettes.

“It’ll trigger you to say to the pharmacist – ‘What about this, and what about that?’ We’re encouraging the dialogue.”

Co-chair of the state’s Opioid Task Force, Rebecca Boss, called the signage important, saying prevention begins with education.

“Making sure that there’s appropriate knowledge out there,” said Boss.

The third law keeps people from being discouraged to carry Narcan (Naloxone).

Officials say some who began to carry it were being denied life insurance – but no more.

“Everybody carries it, ” said Bennett. “And we don’t want people’s life insurance to be judged by that Narcan.”

As for what’s next in terms of legislation, Boss says she’s happy with the strides they’ve made this past year.

“I think we’ve covered most of the bases in terms of our strategic plan,” said Boss. “But we’re not there yet. We’re not calling this a victory. We need to make sure that we keep moving forward, that we keep engaging all our partners, and that includes the general assembly.”

Representative Bennett says he’d like to see legislation in the future that embraces alternative pain treatment therapies.