by GIL McCLANAHAN LOUISA, Ky. (WCHS) — To combat a growing number of fake addiction recovery houses in Kentucky, Gov. Andy Beshear recently signed a new law that requires recovery houses to follow quality standards. Supporters said the goal is to make sure those recovering from addiction actually receive the care they[Read More…]
Legislation & Public Policy
Beshear outlaws tianeptine known as ‘gas station heroin’
By LANTERN STAFF Gov. Andy Beshear on Thursday issued an emergency regulation classifying tianeptine, known as “gas station heroin,” as a Schedule 1 controlled drug. In some countries the drug is prescribed in low doses to treat depression and anxiety. The drug is not approved in the United States and in higher doses produces[Read More…]
As opioids overdose deaths keep rising, report urges lawmakers to develop new approaches
BY: ASHLEY MURRAY WASHINGTON — Lawmakers should view America’s staggering opioid crisis, including the rise of illicit fentanyl, through an “ecosystems” approach, argues a massive RAND Corporation report published last week. That means they should examine the gaps and interconnections among emergency response, data collection, education, treatment, housing and law enforcement, the report[Read More…]
Fentanyl test strips save lives. Kentucky lawmakers may legalize them.
Louisville Public Media | By Morgan Watkins Fentanyl test strips count as illegal drug paraphernalia under Kentucky law. A proposed bill would change that and expand access to them to prevent overdoses. Fentanyl test strips are a life-saving tool that can detect if that deadly opioid is present in a batch[Read More…]
FDA acts to restrict illicit import of xylazine, animal tranquilizer linked to overdose deaths
BY KERRY BREEN The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced on Tuesday that it was taking action to restrict unlawful importing of the veterinary drug xylazine, which has been “increasingly found” in the nation’s illicit drug supply. The action, an import alert, allows for the detainment of shipments of xylazine and the[Read More…]
1 big thing: How opioid misuse is costing health systems
Share of emergency department inpatients treated for opioid use disorder, by state By Tina Reed The addiction crisis is increasingly eroding health systems’ finances, with the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD) costing hospitals more than $95 billion a year, new data provided first to Axios’ Maya Goldman from Premier Inc. AI Applied[Read More…]
$4.9 million in grants announced to expand treatment, recovery services
Through Senate Bill 192, Gov. Beshear granted 17 non-profits $4.9 million in funding to address Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS). By supporting pregnant and parenting mothers who struggle with substance use disorder, Ky. legislators are creating a better future for these women, their children, and all those impacted by this crisis.[Read More…]
How a Kentucky family’s loss led to a new law on fentanyl
A Barren County family who lost their son in 2020 due to the lethal drug fentanyl, inspired “Dalton’s Law,” also known as House Bill 215. This legislation requires those guilty of trafficking certain amounts of fentanyl to serve at least 85% of their sentence. Read more here.
Mother-daughter duo opens up about Casey’s Law, addiction struggles
Casey’s Law helps those struggling with addiction find hope and healing through court-ordered treatment through loved ones’ intervention. Those with substance use disorder will not lose their freedoms and should not fear a criminal or court record to receive this vital support and treatment. Read more here.
ARC officials react to strengthening of Casey’s Law
Casey’s Law has helped almost 6,000 Kentuckians struggling with substance use and will benefit many more now that Gov. Beshear has signed House Bill 362. ARC’s Johnathan Gay said, “that’s important because usually in our world we see people after they’ve already destroyed their lives.” With Casey’s Law, family and[Read More…]