Gov. Christie today signed an executive order implementing several initiatives to fight opioid abuse which he outlined in his State of the State address last week.
The executive order declares the opioid epidemic a “public health crisis in New Jersey” and instructs various agencies to implement new initiatives. Among its directives, the executive order:
- Creates a Task Force on Drug Abuse Control led by Charlie McKenna and consisting of seven members of the Governor’s cabinet. The Task Force is charged with reviewing statutes and regulations that may create barriers to individuals seeking treatment.
- Directs Attorney General Chris Porrino to implement measures to limit the initial prescription of opioids for acute pain.
- Directs the Department of Children and Families to take steps to permit access to residential substance abuse treatment facilities for 18- and 19-year-olds when there are vacancies.
Charges the acting education commissioner with developing a new comprehensive grade-specific curriculum to teach children about the dangers of substance abuse.