Opiate legislation package signed into law by Carney

Governor John Carney has signed a legislation package into law hoping to deliver much needed assistance for the opioid crisis.

The package signed Tuesday involves three separate bills, which expand access to substance abuse treatment.

House Bill 100 ensures people with private and public insurance coverage have the ability to insist that they receive substance abuse coverage.

House Bill 91 increases oversight when it comes to how opioids are being prescribed.

Senate Bill 41 requires carriers to provide coverage for necessary in-patient treatment while prohibiting some prior restrictions and requirements.

According to bill sponsor Representative Tim Dukes of District 40, denial of adequate coverage for substance abuse treatment has been an ongoing problem. He says this legislation package received bipartisan support.

"I think we have to continue staying on the forefront of this and addressing the issue. We can't just address it from one side or the other," says Representative Dukes. "What we're trying to do is work together as a legislature to create legislation so people can get help."

Dukes tells 47ABC, the structure of the bills stayed the same with the exception of a