Rep. Case proposes expanding substance abuse treatment options

HARTFORD – With a rising epidemic of substance abuse in Connecticut and throughout the country, one state lawmaker is hoping to expand treatment options to anyone struggling with addiction.

Winsted Republican Rep. Jay Case has introduced a bill to the General Assembly that will prohibit substance abuse treatment facilities from limiting admission to individuals currently under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The proposal, an amendment to current statutes, would allow someone with good intentions to seek better help.

“Public safety is one of government’s core functions,” Case said. “This measure would provide a safe outlet for anyone pursuing help and give treatment centers an opportunity to help heal the community.”

Case’s proposal comes at a time when heroin and opioid-related deaths in Connecticut have skyrocketed. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner projects more deaths in 2015 than last year, according to recent data, and some are deeming a heroin ‘epidemic.’

H.B. 5058 awaits a calendar date with the legislature’s Human Services Committee, to which Case belongs.

In recent years, the General Assembly has produced legislation expanding help to anyone overdosing from opioids, like heroin, by increasing access to Narcan, an opioid antagonist. A 2012 law allowed friends and family members to obtain the prescription if they suspected a drug overdose – and last year, lawmakers allowed those same people to administer the life-saving medication.

“We have identified a serious and unfortunate problem. While I don’t expect this bill, if passed, to save every single life that is struggling with addiction, I believe it will help anyone willing to improve their current situation,” Case said.

The legislative session ends on June 3.