The Minnesota Senate on Monday overwhelmingly approved a bill that takes a multi-faceted approach to combating the state’s ongoing opioid addiction crisis. The bill, authored by Sen. Julie Rosen (R-Vernon Center), creates a new Opiate Epidemic Response Account, funded by $20 million in fees collected from pharmaceutical manufacturers and distributors.

“Even though collaborative pilot programs have successfully reduced opioid prescriptions at many Minnesota health care facilities and weaned hundreds off of their prescriptions, the opioid crisis still poses significant danger to public health,” said Sen. Rosen. “In fact, a person is now more likely to die of an opioid overdose than in a car accident. It is destroying too many families and communities. We have a moral obligation to finally bring this crisis to an end.”=

To determine if the fees on distributors and manufacturers will remain in place beyond July 1, 2023, the legislature will review the fees, assess how those fees are impacting access to opioids, and the state of the opioid crisis. Additionally, if Minnesota prevails or settles the ongoing national lawsuit against opioid manufacturers for $20 million or more the fees on manufacturers will be adjusted.

“Everyone needs to come to the table, Doctors, pharmacists, pharmaceuticals, and patients, to help us solve this problem,” Sen. Rosen continued. “This bill a step forward to hold people accountable for the responsible distribution and use of opioids.”

Highlights of the legislation include:

• Significant funding for county-administered social services to help kids who have been subjected to child abuse or neglect due to parental addiction.
• Stronger restrictions on opiate prescriptions and refills.
• Prescription monitoring program to prevent overprescribing and “doctor shopping.”
• Public awareness, prevention, and education programs.
• Statewide access to effective treatment and recovery services.
• Continuing education for opioid prescribers.
• Research and development of evidence-based treatment programs.
• Stronger reporting by pharmaceutical companies.
• Money for increased law enforcement in Greater Minnesota to stop illicit drug trafficking.