June 24, 2016
On June 22, 2016, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo signed landmark legislation to combat the heroin and opioid crisis in New York State. The comprehensive package of bills was passed as part of the 2016 Legislative Session and marks a major step forward in the fight to increase access to treatment, expand community prevention strategies, and limit the over-prescription of opioids in New York.
The legislation includes several best practices and recommendations identified by the Governor’s Heroin and Opioid Task Force, and builds on the state’s aggressive efforts to break the cycle of heroin and opioid addiction and protect public health and safety. The governor signed the sweeping legislation, touring the state and visiting the epicenters of the crisis, at events in Buffalo, Long Island and Staten Island.
The comprehensive legislative package limits opioid prescriptions from 30 to seven days, requires mandatory prescriber education on pain management to stem the tide of addiction, and eliminates barriers to treatment. In addition, it expands support for New Yorkers in recovery, increases treatment beds by 270 and adds 2,335 program slots for substance use disorder in New York.
“New York is leading the way forward in the fight against heroin and opioid addiction, and with this legislation, we are taking an affirmative stand for our families and communities who have suffered from this epidemic’s debilitating effects,” Governor Cuomo said. "I commend the Senate and the Assembly for their hard work and dedication to stopping this epidemic and creating a stronger and healthier New York."