Vail Supports Increased Access to Overdose Reversal Medication

Hartford – State Representative Kurt Vail (Somers/Stafford) voted in favor of legislation increasing access to overdose antagonist remedies and limiting prescriptions of opioid drugs.

“This is a state-wide epidemic and tonight we took a small step in the right direction to reverse the trend of overdosing as a result of misuse and abuse of opioids,” explained Rep. Vail. “The bill does not provide a means to an end, but will provide more assistance to those who are in need of an antagonist in a short amount of time in order to reverse an overdose. It also goes a long way in making sure residents do not become addicted in the first place, with better limitations and oversight of the prescriptive process.”

According to the bill, municipalities will update their existing emergency medical services plans to ensure that the emergency responders, who are likely to be the first person on the scene of an emergency call, are equipped with and prepared to administer the overdose reversal drug naloxone, or NARCAN.

Additionally, the bill language dictates that initial prescriptions containing opioids may not exceed seven days. If a patient is a minor the prescriber must discuss the risks associated with the drug to the patient and, if present, the custodial parent or guardian.

The legislation, unanimously passed by the House, awaits further action in the Senate.

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