BRAMNICK-RIBLE OPIOID ADDICTION BILL ADVANCES

     TRENTON, N.J. – The Assembly Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee advanced legislation today sponsored by Assembly Republican Leader Jon Bramnick and Assemblyman Dave Rible addressing the opioid epidemic. The vote was 10-0-1.

     "Drug addiction is a matter of life and death," said Bramnick (R-Union). People reaching out for assistance need immediate help. They do not have time to navigate through red tape to find out if their insurance company will provide coverage."

     "This epidemic is especially rampant in Ocean and Monmouth counties. The number of overdoses has exploded in the past few years," said Rible (R-Monmouth). "Time is critical. People who want help shouldn't have to wait for an insurance carrier to decide if they will cover the cost of treatment. This multi-faceted bill removes those barriers so they can quickly get the help they need."

     The measure (A3) eliminates pre-authorizations for covering inpatient or outpatient substance abuse treatment for up to six months; limits initial prescriptions for opioid medications to five days, and requires doctors to discuss the dangers of opioid addiction with patients.

     "Prevention and education are also a key component of this measure," continued Rible, the Assembly Republican Conference Leader. "When a person is more educated about the dangers of addiction, they have a better chance to prevent it."