Assemblymember Phil Steck (D-Colonie) announced that legislation he sponsored to combat the heroin epidemic has passed the Assembly (A.10725). The measure ensures those battling addiction can get the treatment and support services they need to get on the path to recovery.

“As heroin and opioid addiction continues to take lives and devastate families across the state, we need to be more proactive with how we administer treatment,” said Assemblymember Steck. “This legislation makes key changes to better support a full recovery and ensure those struggling with addiction get the support they need.”

The legislation aims to combat heroin and opioid use in four parts. The first part requires insurance companies to use different methods to determine treatment for heroin addicts, such as evidence-based and peer-reviewed clinical review tools designed by the Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS). The second part ends the need for prior insurance authorization to ensure better access to drug treatment medications. It also requires insurers to provide coverage for five days of an emergency supply of medication to manage withdrawal symptoms.

The third part of the legislation expands the OASAS heroin and opioid addiction wraparound services program launched in 2014 for two more years to better support long-term recovery and prevent relapse. The fourth part increases the current 48 hours emergency treatment holding period to 72 hours. The legislation also requires individuals to be seen within 12 hours of admission and changes discharge procedures to help ensure individuals are connected with treatment afterward.

“The revolving door of addicts in and out of hospitals and county jails, as well as the strain this places on emergency services, police departments and social services, not to mention the public health crisis intravenous drug users present in the form of HIV and Hepatitis, cries out for a solution," said Albany County Sheriff Craig Apple. "The human and financial costs to our entire community are just too great to continue the status quo. I am very supportive of the entire package; it is comprehensive in nature and it will positively affect recovery outcomes in New York State."

“I would like to thank the Governor, Senate, Legislature and Assemblyman Steck for their commitment to combatting the heroin and opioid epidemic in New York,” said Executive Director of Hope House, Inc, Kevin Connally. “The new comprehensive legislation package ensures that providers can continue to offer barrier free, medication assisted, client-centered care. We need all the tools we can have to help people suffering from the disease of addiction.”

“I have been working collaboratively with Assemblymember Steck for two years on this issue, and though there is more work to be done, this package is a great step forward,” said Heidi Troche, Colonie parent and vocal advocate for opioid and heroin treatment options. “The preauthorization of meds to ensure a medically safe detox for addicts who overdose, as well as providing them with locally available treatment options immediately following an overdose, will encourage more addicts to go to treatment. This legislation comes at a critical time – we are in the throes of the largest drug epidemic our country has ever seen”.

The Assembly passed the legislation as part of larger package to combat heroin and opioid use, including a bill that will allow social workers to administer Narcan, a drug that counteracts opioid overdose (A.10726). Another bill would limit the amount of opioids prescribed and require insurance companies to cover needed inpatient care (A.10727)

“This crisis has destroyed too many lives and ravaged our community,” said Assemblymember Steck. “We cannot wait any longer to take real action to improve treatment and prevention and protect our families.”