New York Governor signs legislative bills to treat substance use disorder

Gov. Kathy Hochul has signed a legislative package aimed to help New Yorkers prevent and treat substance use disorder, her office announced Friday.

One bill prohibits copay from being added to opioid treatment programs. Opioid treatment programs require treatment up to six times a week for up for 90 days, with frequent visits afterwards. Oftentimes, a copay is required by many offices for these almost-daily visits, and this becomes a prohibitively expensive treatment as those costs add up. Prohibiting these costs will make the lifesaving service more accessible to New Yorkers who need it.

One requires the Department of Health to publish reports on the department’s website detailing sales of opioids sold in the state. Another bill requires the Office of Addiction Services and Supports to develop training materials for screening for alcoholism and chemical dependency.

One requires doctors to consider non-opioid treatments before prescribing an opioid for patients experiencing pain.

Lastly, one bill establishes a program for nightlife establishments to carry opioid antagonists and authorize training to prevent overdoses.

“My Administration is committed to working every day to fight substance use disorder and providing New Yorkers with further access to lifesaving resources, services, and care,” Hochul said in a statement. “I am proud to sign this legislative package into law which will support countless New Yorkers struggling with addiction and save lives.”