Reed Joins House Leaders in Calling for Special Session on Pennsylvania’s Opioid Crisis
HARRISBURG – House Majority Leader Dave Reed (R-Indiana) today joined Gov. Tom Wolf, other House leaders and a bipartisan group of House members at a Capitol news conference to discuss Pennsylvania’s opioid crisis and the legislative steps that are currently being undertaken to address it.
According to Indiana County Coroner Jerry Overman, substance-related deaths in Indiana County are up from 10 in 2014 to 36 in 2015.
“Standing together today, the House has committed to continue the fight against the abuse of heroin and other opioids which has reached epidemic proportions in Pennsylvania, affecting urban, suburban and rural communities alike,” Reed said. “It is heartbreaking to constantly see obituary listings, and later learn these people died of overdoses.”
To view a video of the news conference visit: RepReed.net.
The House has passed a legislative package recommended by a task force created during the 2013-14 session to study the opioid abuse issue in Pennsylvania. The Task Force and Advisory Committee on Opioid Prescription Drug Proliferation issued its report last year. Those proposals include:
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House Bill 1698, which would provide insurance coverage of abuse deterrent opioids. Passed by the House on June 23.
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House Bill 1699, which would set a seven-day limit on the discharge prescription of opioids in emergency departments. Passed by the House on June 23.
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House Bill 1737, which would provide for the proper disposal of unused prescriptions and over-the-counter medications. Passed by the House on May 16.
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House Bill 1805, which would require prescribers and dispensers to undergo continuing education in pain management, addiction and prescribing practices. Passed by the House on June 23.
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House Resolution 590, which directs the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs to establish and administer a task force on access to addiction treatment through health plans and other resources. Passed by the House on May 16.
“It is going to take a community effort that involves family members to beat this problem,” said Reed. “But I believe government can play an important role in helping to find a solution.”
Reed and other House leaders encouraged Wolf to call a special session of the General Assembly to continue the bipartisan effort to proactively and effectively combat the opioid crisis gripping Pennsylvania.
“Extraordinary circumstances require an extraordinary response and the opioid crisis in the Commonwealth is such an occasion,” Reed said. “A special session will allow us to work with laser focus on putting measures in place to defeat the problem.”
Under Article IV, Section 12 of the Pennsylvania Constitution, the governor can convene the General Assembly “on extraordinary occasions” by proclamation. When the General Assembly is convened in a special session, its members can only consider legislation on those subjects designated in the governor’s proclamation.
The House has also established the PA Heroin, Opioid Prevention and Education (PA-HOPE) Caucus. This bipartisan group of legislators is working to address the growing opioid epidemic and expects to issue its findings and recommendations in the next few days.
Representative Dave Reed
62nd Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Stephen Miskin
RepDaveReed.net /
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