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Commission created to hinder prescription drug, opioid abuse in Michigan

Posted at 12:14 PM, Jun 23, 2016
and last updated 2016-06-24 07:56:01-04

With prescription drug and opioid abuse being a major concern, a commission was created to help curb the “epidemic” in Michigan.

The commission will be made up of state and independent health experts, and will monitor indicators of controlled substance abuse and diversion in the state. It will also make recommendations to the governor for actions involving licensing, law enforcement, substance abuse treatment and prevention, education, professional associations and pharmaceutical manufacturers.

“Prescription drug and opioid abuse is a very serious issue impacting people in communities all across our state,” Gov. Rick Snyder said. “We need to take action to address this epidemic before addiction takes its toll on more innocent people.”

The 17-member commission will serve as an advisory board in the Executive Office, it will review the recommendations from the Michigan Prescription Drug and Opioid Abuse Task Force last fall, and develop and propose policies, as well as an action plan, to implement the recommendations in the report.

The task force, chaired by Lt. Gov. Brian Calley, examined recent trends, evaluated strategic options and developed a statewide action plan. The task force recommended creating the commission.

“With prescription drug and opioid addiction on the rise in Michigan, it’s essential that we work together to prevent drug-related deaths and protect the health and safety of Michiganders,” Calley said.

Members of the commission will include: one allopathic doctor, one osteopathic doctor, one dentist, one veterinarian, one physician’s assistant, one registered professional nurse, one pharmacist, two law enforcement officers, one psychologist, one representative from a Michigan hospice organization, one chronic pain sufferer, one representative from a Michigan medical school, one representative from a statewide pharmacy association, one representative of pharmaceutical manufacturers, one substance abuse treatment provider, and one member representing the general public.