Advocacy Alert: New Jersey and California Opioid Prescription Regulations

May 24, 2018

CA AB 2741 and 2760

The California Senate is considering Assembly Bill 2741, introduced by Assemblymember Autumn Burke. The bill sets out to limit the amount of opioids prescribed to minors to a 5-day supply. It would also require prescribers to assess whether the minor is being treated for a substance abuse disorder, to discuss the potential risks associated with opioid use, and obtain written consent from a parent or guardian.

California also has AB 2760, introduced by Assemblymember Jim Wood. This bill is specific to naloxone hydrochloride or another opioid antagonist, requiring prescribers to offer it when certain conditions are met and to provide overdose prevention education.

For more information on the current laws governing treatment programs and sober living facilities in California, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions for the state.

New Jersey AB 640

Meanwhile, New Jersey's AB 640, sponsored by Assembly Bill 2741Assemblymember David W. Wolfe and Assemblymember Gregory P. McGuckin, will require health care practitioners to limit the amount of medication to 7 days for minors or first time users. It is still pending the Assembly Health and Senior Services Committee.

For more information on the current laws governing treatment programs and sober living facilities in New Jersey, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions for the state.

BHAP has no official stance on any of these bills, but encourages residents of these states to contact their representative with any input on these measures.