Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey speaks prior to signing the order calling the Legislature into a special session, Monday, Jan. 22, 2018, at the Capitol in Phoenix. The special session will enact a law in an effort to cut opioid overdose deaths. Ducey's proposal bars doctors from prescribing more than an initial five-day supply of pain medication, boosts pain clinic regulation and adds $10 million to help uninsured people get addiction treatment.
Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey speaks prior to signing the order calling the Legislature into a special session, Monday, Jan. 22, 2018, at the Capitol in Phoenix. The special session will enact a law in an effort to cut opioid overdose deaths. Ducey's proposal bars doctors from prescribing more than an initial five-day supply of pain medication, boosts pain clinic regulation and adds $10 million to help uninsured people get addiction treatment. Matt York AP Photo
Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey speaks prior to signing the order calling the Legislature into a special session, Monday, Jan. 22, 2018, at the Capitol in Phoenix. The special session will enact a law in an effort to cut opioid overdose deaths. Ducey's proposal bars doctors from prescribing more than an initial five-day supply of pain medication, boosts pain clinic regulation and adds $10 million to help uninsured people get addiction treatment. Matt York AP Photo

National Politics

Arizona governor signs law he sought to target opioid abuse

By BOB CHRISTIE Associated Press

January 26, 2018 12:20 PM

PHOENIX

Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey has signed a new law designed to crack down on opioid abuse and cut the number of overdose deaths.

Friday's signing comes after the Legislature unanimously approved the measure the day before to end a four-day special session called by the Republican governor.

Ducey's package limits opioids to an initial five-day supply, boosts pain clinic regulation and adds $10 million to help uninsured and underinsured people get addiction treatment.

Some majority Republican lawmakers voiced concern about unintended consequences for patients needing pain-killing drugs. They also worried about costs to doctors of moving to electronic opioid prescriptions and a good Samaritan provision.

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Democrats hailed the $10 million for addiction treatment they got into the law and say the bi-partisan effort should be copied in upcoming budget discussions.

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