BOSTON (AP) _ An emotional Gov. Charlie Baker has signed what he calls the most comprehensive law in the nation to combat opioid addiction that has claimed thousands of lives in Massachusetts in recent years.

Baker struggled to keep his composure Monday as he spoke about families he has encountered who have lost loved ones to addiction, or are trying to help a family member recover.

Among many provisions, the law establishes new rules for the prescribing of opiate painkillers, including a seven-day limit on first-time prescriptions.

Janice McGrory of Harwich, who lost her daughter, Liz, to a heroin overdose in 2011, said her daughter's addiction like many others started with prescription painkillers.

Senate President Stan Rosenberg said what used to be seen as a crime is now understood to be a disease.

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