Press Releases
03/06/2018
BOARD OF PHYSICIANS AND DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER PROTECTION CALL FOR ADDITIONAL TESTIMONY REGARDING OPIOID USE DISORDER
Tuesday, March 6th, 2018 – Last week, the Board of Physicians held a public hearing to discuss and hear public testimony regarding four (4) conditions to be considered for the state’s Medical Marijuana Program. After public hearings, the Board takes a vote on whether or not to recommend a condition be added to the state’s regulations by the Commissioner of the Department of Consumer Protection (DCP).
Two (2) of the four (4) conditions, Progressive Degenerative Disease of the Spine, and Opioid Use Disorder/Opiate Withdrawal were tabled for a vote at a later date. Specifically regarding Opioid Use Disorder/Opiate Withdrawal, the Board is looking for more written testimony from mental health and addiction specialists in order to make the most informed decision possible.
“The opioid crisis is a serious matter that has affected far too many families in our state, and throughout the country,” said Consumer Protection Commissioner Michelle H. Seagull, “We know that there is no one solution to this challenge, but that thoughtful consideration of many options can help us combat this crisis. I want to thank the brave survivors of addiction who testified at the Board’s public hearing on this issue, and welcome the written testimony of more members of the public, and the medical community.”
Additional written testimony will be accepted until Friday, March 30th at 5:00pm in order to give sufficient time for the public and medical community to offer input. While the Board is particularly interested in testimony from mental health and addiction specialists, testimony from all members of the public will be accepted until the March 30th deadline.
Testimony should be emailed to dcp.mmp@ct.gov using the subject line “Board of Physicians Testimony.” Testimony will be sent in a package to the Board of Physicians in advance of their next public meeting for review. Those who have submitted written testimony that the Board of Physicians would like to further understand will be notified in advance so they may be available to testify in person.
While the Board will only be accepting written testimony and asking follow up questions to specific people who submit testimony ahead of the meeting, members of the public are welcome to attend the meeting and the Board will deliberate publicly. The public will be notified of the meeting in advance in case they wish to attend.
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Media Contact:
Lora Rae Anderson
lorarae.anderson@ct.gov
(860) 713-6019 (office)
(860) 247-8711 (cell)
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