Hunt, deMacedo, Named To Opioid Bill Conference Committee

BOSTON – Two members of the Cape’s legislative delegation have been named to the conference committee crafting the final version of the bill aimed at addressing the state’s opioid crisis.

State Representative Randy Hunt (R-Sandwich) and Plymouth and Barnstable State Senator Vinny deMacedo (R-Plymouth) will join four colleagues and work on a compromise bill between the two chambers.

“Drug overdoses have claimed the lives of far too many, and opioid abuse has reached epidemic proportions in Cape Cod and the rest of Massachusetts,” Hunt said. “I am enthused by the opportunity to do my part, and to collaborate with my colleagues in crafting a bill that will appropriately address the scourge of substances abuse that is tearing apart our families and communities. Even after our work with this bill is done, we have a ways to go. We are still in the early stages of dealing with this major public health issue.”

The House unanimously passed a proposal last week that would limit initial opiate painkiller prescriptions to a seven-day supply and set an evaluation requirement within 24 hours for overdose victims seeking help at emergency rooms. The bill contains provisions focusing on opioid education for public and charter schools in Massachusetts.

The Senate, which had passed its own version of the bill, amended the bill sent over by the House. House members non-concurred after the amendment, leading to the creation of the conference committee.

Representatives Liz Malia (D-Jamaica Plain) and Brian Dempsey (D-Haverhill) join Hunt from the House. Senators Jennifer Flanagan (D-Leominster) and Karen Spilka (D-Ashland) join deMacedo from the Senate.

Republican Gov. Charlie Baker had proposed allowing doctors to commit patients involuntarily to drug treatment facilities for up to 72 hours if they’re considered an immediate danger. Baker also proposed limiting initial opiate painkiller prescriptions to a three-day supply.

The overwhelmingly Democratic House rejected a Republican-backed amendment that would have added Baker’s 72-hour hold to the bill.

Content from the Associated Press was used in this report.