Senator Andrew Mathews (R-Milaca) joined his Minnesota State Senate colleagues in overwhelmingly passing bipartisan legislation to combat Minnesota’s ongoing opioid addiction crisis. The legislation targets the epidemic through a multi-faceted approach, touching every level of the legal opiate distribution chain and creating a new Opiate Epidemic Response Account that will invest in innovative treatment and social service programs, improve public awareness, and apply stronger rules to prescriptions and refills.

“Of all the 87 counties in Minnesota, Kanabec and Mille Lacs counties are second and third when it comes to the highest rates of opioids dispensed per resident,” said Senator Mathews. “This issue is on our doorsteps. And, while there are many steps to go before solving this problem, this bill directs resources to our local counties, families, and individuals struggling with the opioid crisis in Minnesota.”

After passing the Senate and House of Representatives, the bill now heads to the governor for his signature. Additional highlights of the legislation include:

• 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.