Massachusetts Commission on Oxycontin Overdoses
The Masschusetts special legislative commission that is studying the rise in OxyContin use in the state is close to releasing its findings. The 13-member Massachusetts OxyContin and Heroin Commission is trying to find ways to handle the increased use of OxyContin and heroin. They are considering jail diversion programs (for treatment) to increased law enforcement. In Massachuetts, the number of overdoses from OxyContin or heroin has been steadily creeping up. They are considering a reporting requirement when someone is treated for overdose. The identity of the patient would be kept private, but they would collect demographic information to track trends and try to determine where to put resources to deal with the issue.