Mass. House Releases Its Version Of Opioid Abuse Bill

House lawmakers have released their version of a bill aimed at curbing the opioid abuse crisis in Massachusetts.

Among other steps, the bill would limit initial opiate painkiller prescriptions to a seven-day supply and require an in-depth evaluation be made by a licensed medical professional to anyone who shows up in an emergency department with an opiate-related overdose.

The bill doesn't go as far as one proposed by Gov. Charlie Baker, who has proposed limiting initial prescriptions to three days.

Baker's bill would also let doctors commit a person involuntarily to a drug treatment facility for up to 72 hours if they're considered an immediate danger to themselves or others.

The bill must win the backing of several committees before heading to the full House for debate, likely sometime in January.  (Associated Press)