Republican Governor Nathan Deal signed three pieces of legislation into laws earlier this month to address the opioid abuse crisis in Georgia.
Collectively, the three bills expand access to the opioid overdose antidote naloxone by exempting it from the dangerous drug list, increase regulations on addiction treatment centers to ensure quality standards are met and require physicians to research a patient's prescription history more thoroughly.
"The three bills I signed into law today will enable us to more effectively fight the ongoing opioid epidemic that impacts individuals, families and communities across Georgia," said Mr. Deal. "I am confident that this legislation will help save lives and give hope to the victims ensnared by this epidemic as well as their loved ones."
More articles on opioids:
Trump administration backpedals on plans to eliminate 'drug czar' office: 5 things to know
Independence Blue Cross Foundation launches study to improve ER addiction treatment referrals
More research needed on link between fetal opioid exposure and birth defects, study finds