TRENTON, N.J. (AP) - The Latest on legislation to curb opioid addiction (all times local):
4:15 p.m.
Republican Gov. Chris Christie has signed legislation aimed at curbing the state’s opioid addiction epidemic.
Christie signed the bill Wednesday afternoon, shortly after the Democrat-led Assembly approved the legislation. The measure curbs initial opioid prescriptions to a five-day supply. It also mandates state-regulated health insurers cover inpatient and outpatient treatment for drug addiction.
The prescription drug limit would not apply to cancer and chronic pain patients and for end-of-life care. The legislation also calls for continuing education for professionals who prescribe drugs.
Christie is devoting his final year in office to the crisis. He spoke with President Donald Trump on Tuesday on the issue.
Nearly 1,600 people died from opioids in 2015 in New Jersey.
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4 p.m.
The New Jersey Assembly approved legislation sought by Gov. Chris Christie to help curb the state’s opioid crisis.
The Democrat-led Assembly on Wednesday approved the bill to curb initial opioid prescriptions to a five-day supply. The measure also mandates state-regulated health insurers cover inpatient and outpatient treatment for drug addiction. The bill now goes to Christie’s desk. He is expected to sign it.
The prescription drug limit would not apply to cancer and chronic pain patients and for end-of-life care. The legislation also calls for continuing education for professionals who prescribe drugs.
Christie, who is devoting his final year in office to the crisis, met with President Donald Trump Tuesday on the issue.
Nearly 1,600 people died from opioids in 2015 in New Jersey.
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9 a.m.
New Jersey lawmakers are set to vote on legislation sought by Gov. Chris Christie to help curb the state’s opioid crisis.
The Democrat-led Assembly scheduled a vote Wednesday on a bill to curb initial opioid prescriptions to a five-day supply. The measure also mandates state-regulated health insurers cover inpatient and outpatient treatment for drug addiction.
The prescription drug limit would not apply to cancer and chronic pain patients and for end-of-life care. The legislation also calls for continuing education for professionals who prescribe drugs.
Christie called for the measures as part of a broader focus on the epidemic. Nearly 1,600 people died from opioids in 2015 in New Jersey.
Christie, who is devoting his final year in office to the crisis, met with President Donald Trump Tuesday on the issue.
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