AUGUSTA (AP) — People could securely self-administer drugs at state-certified facilities under a Maine Democrat’s bill.
Portland Rep. Michael Sylvester’s bill would allow Maine to certify two facilities where health care personnel would provide referrals and overdose-reversal medication if needed.
Sylvester says amid the state’s opioid crisis, his bill represents a solution used elsewhere in the world with success.
The bill is set for a work session Thursday.
Republicans like Sen. Eric Brakey and Rep. Karen Vachon are lining up behind the bill.
The bill would create a tolerance zone around the facility and staff would receive immunity from arrest or prosecution.
But Maine’s substance abuse office opposes the bill and said the state can’t provide immunity from federal regulations or professional licensing boards.
In Maine, 376 people died from drug overdoses last year.
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