Bill to Combat Opioid Addiction Yields Emotional Testimony

Proponents and opponents to a bill that would establish the Opiate Stewardship program to combat opiate addiction yielded testimony Tuesday, February 12, in support and against the measure.

Under the bill, sponsored by Senator Julie Rosen, R-Vernon Center, about $20 million dollars would be raised annually by increasing the licensing fee paid by opioid manufacturers and distributors. The funds would support several efforts, including aiding county social service programs that aid children neglected due to parental addiction. Money also would be used to develop evidence-based treatment programs and public awareness programs. Furthermore, statewide access to treatment and recovery services would be strengthened.

Cara Schulz of Burnsville told committee members that bill would hurt people experiencing chronic pain due to their illness. "RIght now, late stage cancer patients cut off from their opioids are entering hospice care early so they can have their unendurable pain managed."

Senator Rosen said that the bill would not apply to people who are experiencing chronic pain. If they have chronic and intractable pain, they are under care of a physician, and under his clinical, professional judgment, he can continue to subscribe and to write the prescription that is appropriate for that pain."