New York Governor Signs Laws Aimed at Combating Opioid Prescription Drug Abuse Epidemic

A legislative package of 11 bills targeting prescription drug and opioid abuse has been approved by New York Governor Andrew Cuomo. The series of bills includes “Good Samaritan” protections for individuals who administer an opioid antagonist like naloxone, the medication that can reverse the effects of an overdose. According to a press release from the governor’s office, other bills in the package are aimed at improving addiction treatment, implementing new penalties for those convicted of illegal distribution of opioids, and expanding public education campaigns. “Today, we are sending the message that the State of New York is getting more involved in the fight against heroin and opioid abuse than ever before,” Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver stated in an address at the state’s capitol. A full list and summary of each of the bills is available in a memo (PDF) posted to the governor’s website.