LANSING — The state Senate passed a new set of bipartisan drug reform bills this week, seeking to expand access to Narcan and other harm reduction measures.
“I think these are common sense tools that that make it easier for people to get the help they need, when they need it,” said Sen. Mark Huizenga, (R) District 30, Walker.
One of the policies would require school districts have at least one employee carrying Narcan and trained in its use.
Another part of the package would require pharmacies to carry more Narcan and allow pharmacists to prescribe greater amounts of the anti-opioid medication Buprenorphine.
“This is a front-line medication that is the most prescribed medication to treat opioid-use disorder,” said Andrew Whitacre, officer at the Pew Charitable Trusts.
Advocates say that especially in rural parts of Michigan, these policies would help those struggling with addiction receive the services they need.
“A significant portion of residents across Michigan are driving 30 minutes or more one-way to access services and opioid treatment programs, or an OTP, which are the only providers that can offer methadone, which is one of the three FDA-approved medications to treat opioid-use disorder,” Whitacre said.
One of the bills would decriminalize fentanyl testing strips, which are currently considered drug paraphernalia.
“People who think they are taking what is still an illegal drug, but what they deem to be safe — and it’s laced with fentanyl, and they’re overdosing, and unfortunately, we’re seeing deaths because of it,” said Sen. Kevin Hertel, (D) District 12, St. Clair Shores. “And so these test strips and access to them will allow people to at least know what’s in the drugs.”
The bills would also exempt treatment services from prior authorization, meaning the care would be automatically covered under Medicaid.
Advocates say that reducing bureaucratic hurdles like prior authorization could make the difference for someone seeking help.
“Every delay, every extra hoop to jump through, every form to fill out can be the difference between a patient starting treatment or not. We lose people to those delays,” said Dr. Cara Poland, chair of the Michigan Opioid Advisory Commission.
The package passed with more than 80% of the state Senate in support. Senators say they’re optimistic the bills could see swift consideration in the House.
“I’s hard to get everybody to agree on almost anything, but I think this shows that every community is impacted by substance-abuse disorder, that we all need to do better to make sure that we’re providing support services for those who need it,” Hertel said.