Wolf Administration Discusses Effects of Opioids on Youth at Event in Washington D.C.

Harrisburg, PA – The Wolf Administration today highlighted its efforts to combat the opioid epidemic and its impact on Pennsylvania youth during a public forum hosted by media outlet The Hill in Washington D.C.

“The opioid crisis is one of the worst public health issues our state and country has seen in recent years,” Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said. “We need to make sure that our youth and teens are being educated on the dangers of opioid use. Prescription opioids are prescribed for a person who needs them, and if they are not being used, should be taken to a drug take back box to ensure they do not get in the wrong hands.

“The Wolf Administration continues to work to assist those who are affected by opioid use disorder by ensuring that those suffering from this epidemic get into treatment. You cannot treat someone who is dead, and the Administration continues to work diligently to make sure those who need treatment receive it.”

The following statistics have been reported to the Opioid Operational Command Center through May 11:

• ​656 cases of neonatal abstinence syndrome have been reported to the Department of Health;
• 4139 doses of naloxone administered, with the highest week from April 8-14; and
• 186 requests for birth certificates for individuals with OUD.

On January 10, Governor Wolf signed a statewide disaster declaration for the opioid epidemic to enhance state response, increase access to treatment, and save lives. On April 4, Governor Wolf renewed that disaster declaration, calling on agencies and the legislature to continue their work to help communities and individuals affected by the opioid epidemic.

The disaster declaration focuses on 13 initiatives:

• ​Establishes an Opioid Operational Command Center located at the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency;
• Expands access to the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) to other commonwealth entities for clinical decision-making purposes;
• Adds overdoses and Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) as Reportable Conditions in Title 28, Chapter 27;
• Authorizes an emergency purchase under the procurement code for the 24/7 helpline, 1-800-662-HELP;
• Enables Emergency Medical Services providers to leave behind naloxone by amending the current Standing Order;
• Waives regulations to allow pharmacists to give greater access to naloxone to prisons and treatment programs;
• Allows for the immediate temporary rescheduling of all fentanyl derivatives to align with the federal DEA schedule while working toward permanent rescheduling;
• Authorizes emergency purchasing to allow for an emergency contract to expand the advanced body scanner pilot program currently in place at Wernersville that is used on re-entrants returning to the facility;
• Waives the face-to-face physician requirement for Narcotic Treatment Program (NTP) to allow initial intake review by a Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner (CRNP) or Physician Assistant (PA);
• Expands access to medication-assisted treatment (MAT) by waiving the regulatory provision to permit dosing at satellite facilities;
• Waives annual licensing requirements for high-performing drug and alcohol treatment facilities;
• Waives the fee provided for in statute for birth certificates for individuals who request a good-cause waiver by attesting that they are affected by Opioid Use Disorder; and
• Waives separate licensing requirements for hospitals and emergency departments to expand access to drug and alcohol treatment to allow physicians to administer short-term MAT consistent with DEA regulations without requiring separate notice to DDAP.

Governor Wolf and state agencies have been increasing efforts in the fight against prescription drug abuse in multiple areas, including numerous programs and initiatives:

• ​Working with the legislature to establish a new law limiting the number of opioids that can be prescribed to a minor and to individuals discharged from emergency rooms to seven days;
• Strengthening the PDMP through the legislative process so that doctors are required and able to check the system each time they prescribe opioids and benzodiazepines;
• Forming new prescribing guidelines to help doctors who provide opioid prescriptions to their patients, including guidelines specific to orthopedics and sports medicine;
• Creating the warm handoff guideline to facilitate referrals from the emergency department to substance abuse treatment;
• Teaming with the legislature to establish education curriculum on safe prescribing for medical schools; and
• Awarding four $1 million grants for medication-assisted treatment using a hub and spoke model for Pennsylvanians who are uninsured, under-insured or have private insurance.