House Speaker DeLeo To Discuss Bill Aimed At Opioid Abuse

BOSTON (AP) — House Speaker Robert DeLeo is planning to hold a press conference on a bill aimed at addressing the state's ongoing opioid abuse troubles.

The bill would limit initial opiate painkiller prescriptions to a seven-day supply and set an evaluation requirement for overdose victims who seek help at hospital emergency rooms.

The bill doesn't go as far as one proposed by Gov. Charlie Baker, which would 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.

DeLeo will be joined at the Monday press conference by fellow Democratic lawmakers.

The Senate has already passed a version of the bill.

All three versions are aimed at addressing the frightening rise in opioid-related overdose deaths and abuse.