Gov. Rick Snyder, R, joined by a group of Michigan legislators, unveiled a bipartisan package of legislation March 23 designed to curb opioid abuse in the state.
The comprehensive legislative package is primarily geared toward preventative efforts and includes the launch of the Michigan Automated Prescription System. The prescription tracking system will require prescribers to check the database prior to issuing a prescription. MAPS is set to launch in April.
"Michigan has taken an active role to help save lives and provide second chances to Michiganders by working to prevent overdose deaths," said Gov. Snyder. "While we've made some progress, people are still becoming addicted and tragically dying from overdoses so our work is far from over. This new strategy focuses on primary prevention in hopes that we can reduce opioid misuse and prevent addiction from occurring in the first place."
Other provisions in the legislative package include requiring schools educate students about opioids and opioid addiction, requiring pain management facilities to be licensed by the state and the requirement of a parental signature before a minor may receive an opioid prescription, among other stipulations.
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